SpaceX Unveils Upgrades to Starship for Next Flight Test
SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, is preparing for its next flight test of the Starship spacecraft with a series of upgrades. The enhancements mainly focus on the launch site and Booster 9, pending final regulatory approval.
One of the most significant changes in Booster 9 is the switch from Raptor 2 to Raptor 2.1 engines. This new version utilizes an electric thrust vector control (TVC) system instead of a hydraulic one. The introduction of electric TVC allows for quicker and smoother maneuvering during flight, as well as reducing the weight of the booster by eliminating hydraulic power units.
In addition to the engine upgrade, Booster 9 has also undergone improvements to prevent methane leakage into the engine compartment. During the first flight test, fires caused by methane buildup were observed. To address this issue, the Raptor engines and valves have been upgraded, and measures such as larger chines, upgraded purge tanks, and the incorporation of 18 vents in the engine section have been implemented.
To further strengthen the engine shielding, Booster 9 now features an upgraded design and a newly designed methane transfer tube with reinforced stringers. The hot staging system has also been enhanced with the addition of a hot stage vent ring on top of Booster 9. This modification allows the ship’s engines to be fired while still attached to the booster, improving efficiency during the flight.
Ship 24 and Ship 25, two other components of the Starship spacecraft, have also undergone several upgrades. These include the use of Raptor 2 engines, the installation of a heat shield made of tiles, and a welded shut payload bay for increased safety.
Ship 25’s engine shielding has been replaced with thicker shielding specifically designed for hot staging, and extra vents and vent lines have been added to prevent methane buildup. Both Booster 9 and Ship 25 have received upgrades to their flight termination systems, ensuring a higher level of safety during flight.
With these upgrades, SpaceX aims to achieve its objectives in the next flight, with stage separation and ignition of the ship being the main goals. As the company continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, these improvements pave the way for future missions and advancements in space technology.
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