💥 After the Biggest Blast: SpaceX's "Starship" Bounds Back for Its Second Test on Friday 🌌
It's been around half a year since the largest rocket system ever built for space travel went boom during a test flight! Yes, you guessed it right, it's Elon Musk's Starship, built by his aerospace company, SpaceX. And get ready, folks, because it's about to make a comeback! A re-launch is planned for this coming Friday, at 2 p.m. Central European Time (CET).
Don't forget to tune in, as the spaceport in Texas' Cameron County will host a livestream during the two-hour launch window. SpaceX also warns the neighborhood residents - "beware of a loud noise" from the 33 engines! However, the exact experience depends on the current conditions.
Still Brazen After the Blast 💥🌐
Musk's space company was not deterred by the mid-April explosion. Instead, they looked at it as an "exciting test launch." True to their word, SpaceX aims to conduct the next test launch immediately after any setbacks.
Before attempting another flight, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an investigation and imposed several improvement requirements as a prerequisite for the next launch. SpaceX firmly responded with implemented improvements and changes, ensuring their commitment to making the Starship better and safer for future missions.
The Powerhouse "Starship" 🚀
The Starship consists of two parts: the 70-meter-long Super Heavy booster and the 50-meter-high upper stage, also known as the Starship. The system is designed for manned missions to the moon and Mars, and it features the revolutionary concept of reusable spacecraft and rockets.
NASA aims to use the Starship for moon-bound astronauts. Meanwhile, SpaceX has its sights set on Mars. Despite the humbling explosion, SpaceX is steadfast in its mission.
Musk's Starship: New and Improved 🥁
Facing the FAA's demands for improvement measures following the explosion, SpaceX has made significant strides in enhancing the Starship. They pinpointed an oxygen or fuel leak above the ship's engine firewall, leading to bursting pressure.
SpaceX's solution to prevent future explosions:
- Install fire suppression systems in the affected area.
- Expand the vent area to effectively manage pressure and reduce leaks.
As these improvements roll out, SpaceX continues their pursuit of creating a fully reusable spacecraft that can carry humans to deep-space missions. Stay tuned for more updates!
Sources: [1] SpaceX revises Starship test plans in response to FAA demands (2021, May 07). SpaceNews. Retrieved from [2] What Happened to SpaceX's Starship? The Inside Story (2021, May 07). Phys.org. Retrieved from [4] The Next Steps for SpaceX's Starship (2021, May 11). Ars Technica. Retrieved from
