SpaceX Starship test flights [Archive] - The Project Avalon Community Forum

onawah

7th April 2021, 03:27

Spaceport Genocide
by Arthur Firstenberg <info@cellphonetaskforce.org>
4/6/21
https://www.cellphonetaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Spaceport-Genocide.pdf

"In the western Pacific Ocean between Australia and the equator lies one of the most isolated, least visited places on earth. The second largest island in the world, it is still inhabited by traditional tribal peoples speaking hundreds of different languages. Although geographically and culturally it is a single land, this tropical paradise was divided in 1848 into a western and an eastern half by a line drawn down the middle in an agreement between the Netherlands and Great Britain. They regarded the black people who lived there only as a potential source of cheap labor for the extraction of resources from their land. Among the wealth on and beneath the island of New Guinea are timber, oil, gas, and minerals, including silver and nickel and the largest deposits of gold and copper in the world.

The eastern half of the island, known as Papua New Guinea, has been independent since 1975 and is struggling to overcome its violent colonial history. The western half, known as West Papua, declared its independence when the Dutch colonial administration withdrew in 1961, but Indonesia, coveting its vast natural resources, invaded and formally absorbed West Papua into Indonesia in 1969. Since that time, Indonesia has engaged in continuous genocide against the indigenous population, who number about 2,000,000 people today. Over 500,000 have been killed, and thousands more have been raped, tortured and imprisoned by the Indonesian military.

As Paul Antonopoulos and Drew Cottle wrote in their heart-rending August 2019 article, Forgotten Genocide in Indonesia, “The primary reason for Jakarta not granting self-determination to the indigenous people of West Papua is because of the billions of dollars’ worth of natural resources. Although Papuans have been struggling for independence for over half a century, Indonesia through its military has been bolstering its global economic relevance by exploiting the territory’s vast reserves of natural resources that make their way to markets in the US, Canada, Europe, China and Australia, where the majority of mining companies are based.”

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is about to play a role in perpetuating this genocide.

The small island of Biak, off of West Papua’s northern coast, just one degree south of the equator, looks like this today:
https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/4YPclVoijfHhTBP36spcumNCY3Y_yjqfEMMTLy3jaL90Fh7EPhjTjGGGewWzryo6Amhmt4SPzrQR70r_7YwRBuCApDpmVnh8R37X kZOO4i6nUApW0mk-0S2PN9poxVh9wdBFRc4qOZYunUndFoPvMAGZmFi9hnbncAIQa1g_So2ysXytlaP7oQuUcdohS1tOc6N8mWAEKwajOn5LqgbI0FP3 aHIs1n7zLuArFG_umd-w5GLeXHRghsKVAmCnRI6_z-uGNQmitOM-NBaBFPcol33FQOt0rMDs8ExnaSnh5iE4_L8tckVO9ZsFoJc7PqcUeWUQyfjpzjJBvS6l3UmIfuH_FQkYCoayWwFZ-oBe_haWerWe4Qn1nGgjxJ0S6CsaK_6eUIB5rZT6CLdJmxNcTntTyfIfno8hk1P8Y_C8evCoTZ2NzcWXwEoAuXq_zPakLcHrocEUK wNhrtKTQyZrO7iMHljS4W2OHC3SkQDasFkVkdqsDqRpKL8=s0-d-e1-ft#http://img.mail.cellphonetaskforce.org/im/2401213/5d49edb2c5e47516ea2d437f8c455eceb6be8b8b8c84591e571faa04f99c5397.jpg?e=jZmBhTi5Tzlm0QiTCYgYG_0P1-Vb4d400sfACAl-rdYPj7NLJZs3hBn4arCzwyrJrA70RX_FT098YI6UdaJkZGxIrFHW4AoJOWz2Q_kindEA7gOKsxfHdIleiQA3LRt2nn6Kw7fiR0r1 9TmjlMWB1SLdJQoj-Lt-hlT5syGYzfnfPEli9Upqt48Tuy7av7RvLgaZNNEoCw6NJOu037FuvcnVSRZkHOZ8zLQiZKtqFIQk

If Elon Musk has his way, it will soon look like this:

https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/n_K4MtBRfbehGXDH72USTrORMdhOkYIjywdQB1JlApyc7bJ7fZYp8nyOgFkGSF8C8bMMrnlrN8eyjqdfij2iYvlGWPaD8yGOxLgi IvEAYZz4iDOYsYt6-q9OXHkbDkiF9NHfrMKmDQBNoPX0A3VHVUNFodlYGeVngovOjFtjbqQonKWWbgd-1FJfcJH9rMvudXbjQ4xNGQFHeXHtyoTEGRRzbQGU-1nM60SNm-_7AfFEZ7_rVOO29qR04RLxg5IB1-ZWq2tqkR4XUYUN1UGJN0TRF3oBMbJZCFfovV_8JE4iI4JY7lhH9U6cLsAvGoW7G3IBX6VybIfNaEt4so0w1lx-ZvoYpR8oyCUR03s3tSIey5_eOZtvl4QxHrUyn-YHA0u3ACjtoejOk3WmuBtFC6CzRErG4LL95IasE5a8VRIR_sPh1mxNaNuNfTIDcrZKw5bjIwWVOZNrJAWTY4VmW6MlgGwpxoe2jk tJZdxCJogf1GRnedbVQb0=s0-d-e1-ft#http://img.mail.cellphonetaskforce.org/im/2401213/4b12d074b0ebaf5c81d336ff229017bd93434a0f95ee95d29de3d2cc1d167a5d.jpg?e=n8ipPdfBPQQAYrD9SypRzura97Xaw 20yPgKIuATxWKxBtIQnGRJUJ5QtznzUVEo-kk2zn2AHcE4pptL6MIjw9-CjKF0xalk4EDiBG5LhHrlNJcpWEjFCSMSzdpxiV0rVDI10jAKUgIGBUDPaCa_3sJS9UR2FOT7usbnst8iBpxzXyHx7pwEHDN5X3a kQooufSup6lbxD-7dRGDl63LXbC5G2T0aBlfyd_byIU6w36VjK

Indonesia would like to convert Biak into a lucrative “Space Island.” In December 2020, Indonesia offered the use of part of the island to SpaceX as a spaceport for launching satellites. SpaceX would like to launch and maintain as many as 42,000 satellites in order to provide high-speed wireless Internet everywhere on earth. This would require almost daily rocket launches forever into the future. Until now, SpaceX has been launching its satellites from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, where the above photograph was taken. The spaceport at Cape Canaveral is surrounded by a wildlife refuge and has already done a lot of environmental damage.

“This spaceport,” said tribal chief Manfun Sroyer of plans for the island of Biak, “will cost us our traditional hunting grounds, damaging the nature our way of life depends on. But, if we protest, we’ll be arrested immediately.”

Biak’s location holds several attractions for SpaceX. Its location at the equator is ideal for launching satellites because less fuel is needed for them to reach orbit from there. And the vast reserves of copper and nickel on West Papua would supply some of the materials. Copper and nickel are two of the metals used in building rockets.

Indonesia has also offered Biak Island to the Russian space agency Roscosmos, which plans to develop its own spaceport on the island by 2024. Russia is planning its own fleet of 640 satellites, also to provide wireless Internet everywhere on earth.

The environmental effects of mining in West Papua are well-documented. “From the Grasberg mine,” wrote Antonopoulos and Cottle, ”one of the biggest copper and gold mines in the world, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of tailings contaminate the vital Ajkwa delta system every day, destroying the environment which the Kamoro tribe relies upon for food and trade. So devastating to the environment is the Grasberg mine that apart from the 80 million tonnes of waste debris which it dumps into the Ajkwa river system every year, the open cut mine can be seen clearly from space.” What was formerly the top of a glacier-covered mountain is now a mile-wide crater one-third of a mile deep.

The open cut operations were finally closed in 2020, but the underground mining operations at Grasberg are expanding, and the contamination of rivers, forests, fisheries, and coastal waters, as well as the destruction of tribal communities, continues unabated. A 2012 report from Earthworks and MiningWatch Canada stated that mine waste from Grasberg had “buried over 166 square kilometres of formerly productive forest and wetlands, and fish have largely disappeared.” The poisoned river is no longer a source of drinking water for the area’s villages.

West Papua’s mines will also be used to build Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs), if Musk has his way. Nickel and copper are also needed for the long-range batteries used in EVs. Musk told Indonesian officials last July that Tesla would offer a “giant contract for a long period of time if you mine nickel efficiently and in an environmentally sensitive way.”

Musk and the government of Indonesia may come to an agreement as to what “environmentally sensitive” means, but West Papua’s native population may beg to disagree. It still means pulverizing and processing billions of pounds of rock, and depositing all the resulting tailings somewhere. In West Papua somewhere means virgin rainforest, pristine rivers and tribal lands.

Roads, Electricity and Cell Phones

In Papua New Guinea, the independent state to the east, most of the vast interior still has no roads or electricity -- or cell towers. And that was still the case only 5 years ago in West Papua too. But in the last few years, all of that infrastructure -- electricity to every village, a modern highway system bulldozed through the wilderness, and widely available cell phone service -- has been built by Indonesia and it has not been for the benefit of the native population, who do not want it and are gunned down or bombed if they protest.

Journalist David Robie calls the 4,325-kilometer Trans-Papua Highway “West Papua’s highway of blood.” According to John Martinkus, whose moving book, The Road: Uprising in West Papua, was published last May, the highway brings military occupation, more mining and timber cutting by foreign corporations, environmental destruction, and replacement of native villages by settlements of Indonesian immigrants.

“On December 1, 2018,” writes Robie, “a ceremony marking the declaration of independence from the Dutch in 1961 by raising the Morning Star flag of a free Papua -- as Papuans do every year -- ended in bloodshed.” Every previous year, at least in the remote Nduga region, this ceremony had taken place peacefully and been ignored by Indonesians. But this year, road workers and soldiers came into Nduga on the new highway and took photos and videos of the crowd on their cell phones. The resulting conflict left 19 road workers and a soldier dead. Since then, reprisal raids by the Indonesian military have forced some 50,000 people to flee their villages and become refugees. Two thousand soldiers, helicopters, and 650 commandos are involved in “protecting the highway.”

“It is the helicopters that are the worst,” writes Martinkus. “They are used as platforms to shoot or drop white phosphorous grenades or bomblets that inflict horrible injuries on the populace.”

https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/geooufhFubm75S0zY9qXmYNvAC2Npcl_GhlE_JhB47sPMz0H5qOg4X8kX7J-RcrBvhWKMOj2kTfOwBS_FRSI6wzbDehQGwpu25W_g0RcN08QgvEqIVIAVVEfuZyrfHYgqTus_wvtxF_SOkI4v7yRoeW3_Lbbi19Q hKjjMCoMZ6yf0XrsvBTNpXKYI9va27y09I9NO_J_5Nopt0GFmNSS1ygqE9fFlz8n-TZgjs2zQyENsH7glx8HIBsx7ibU3X_03j0nHdzwsfr55DuxgUclIz_E2v2g2GXRvYaVWrOOzK_YhL8kSYDB7kQFndJzSTOvEK4rh sQEaHZkeiU-YjKN7mABwzy4qoQFCih35D9696JNYt5H_5CIFhOzQcRqBQpSiANhPoLbxWDkmqtUKsqVidkmdSNxPTNK5rjcHCn0BEaV1dXbfdxy idkDGNraz21NQFO88aF85VvtFvgZs0Wj22bG5HpUeMr9Qi9zgN_7yboTT77oDc0QdME=s0-d-e1-ft#http://img.mail.cellphonetaskforce.org/im/2401213/10516b093f9eb75a734b4f46d5370d88be5212c7807b9f4affa2ad2d6a3000e5.jpg?e=vGk54Z3sqaxjrYtS-mrkeGohm8AaJ4We0gvhjcrGpBeHgxwMwlznUv6MZULd4tU9u8PSvg0u56jCjaqI6a9MiKFhrE6ZGug6uINBUfmsD9TdWYpxasQf_ TY0vKg00cpGl0oR9UqJZAf4dvHB-5bhw33zFyKLncn4QwIJRtvISfYjurJ4O9Ec6FXg-rbcY6pOcR15weqNQl85nd5zoCAhyqyI3XlLhiB7yWAoge4oilaP
Thomas Klasibin stands in front of what used to be
the forest that supported him. Photo by James Morgan

And the spaceport, as Manfun Sroyer said, will perpetuate both the environmental damage and the continuing genocide. Aside from the noise, light, and vibrations accompanying rocket launches, all of the proliferating spaceports around the world are destroying their environment.

A Falcon 9 rocket -- the rocket SpaceX uses to launch its satellites -- consumes an incredible 3,200 pounds of fuel per second at full thrust. Unlike rockets that burn solid fuels, the Falcon 9 burns kerosene and doesn’t pollute the land and water surrounding the spaceport with heavy metals. But that is assuming the launch is successful. Every time a rocket crash-lands or explodes, the damage is tremendous. When two rockets crash-landed during test launches at a remote spaceport on Alaska’s Kodiak Island, 230 tons of soil were contaminated. And crashes happen regularly at every spaceport. A 2013 study of rocket launch crashes by Russian and Belgian space scientists found that rockets had been crashing, consistently since 1975, between 4% and 10% of the time at every spaceport in the world.

What is occurring on West Papua is possibly the worst genocide that is going on in the world today, and it is scarcely being reported. But it is not just genocide. It is a collision -- a collision between life and technology, a collision that stares us in the face everywhere we go, and it is not being reported because no one wants to look at it. “The people of West Papua are fighting with their lives every day to defend our forests, mountains and rivers,” says West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda. “We are ground zero in the fight to protect our global natural environment.”

West Papua is the last place on earth where “primitive” human beings dare to say no to highways and electricity. The Trans-Amazon Highway was completed in 1975. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan was fully electrified by 2010. The Old Order Amish are using cell phones today. In the year 2021, when humanity is preparing to colonize Mars, there is no place in most people’s conception of reality for the existence of human beings who are part of the natural world. To acknowledge their existence would require us to face the contradiction between life and technology. Between reality and fantasy.

But the Papuans are there. And they are important."

Arthur Firstenberg
Author, The Invisible Rainbow: A History of Electricity and Life
https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/the-invisible-rainbow/

ExomatrixTV

19th April 2021, 14:39

SpaceX wins a multi-billion dollar NASA moon lander contract!:

5m_Gu4ZGXRs

Bill Ryan

24th April 2021, 10:47

SpaceX wins a multi-billion dollar NASA moon lander contract!:

5m_Gu4ZGXRsThis is a pretty big deal. As many readers may be aware, humans are already on the Moon and Mars, and have been for quite a while. But the publicly visible space program, with far inferior but workable technology, has to somehow catch up with all that.

Here's a fairly good article (one of many, easily found), to supplement the video above:

https://planetary.org/articles/why-nasa-picked-spacex-to-land-humans-on-the-moon

~~~

Why NASA Picked SpaceX to Land Humans on the Moon

20 April, 2021

And How the Decision Will Help Humans Land on Mars

NASA last week announced it selected SpaceX’s Starship (https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/as-artemis-moves-forward-nasa-picks-spacex-to-land-next-americans-on-moon) to land humans on the Moon as part of the agency’s Artemis program (https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/artemis). To develop Starship for the Moon, NASA will pay no more than $2.9 billion to SpaceX over the next few years, money that will be matched and possibly exceeded by funds from SpaceX itself.

Under the terms of the award, SpaceX will fly Starship to the lunar surface without a crew at least once before transporting astronauts. NASA says there is still a chance that mission could happen in 2024 (https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-spacex-to-develop-crewed-lunar-lander/), although the agency is currently conducting a review of the entire Aretmis program.

Investing in Starship will help NASA return to the Moon, but it will also do something more consequential. Starship is a Mars ship. By choosing Starship for the Moon, NASA is investing in the Starship program itself, providing SpaceX with a cash infusion for the same technology and systems it needs to get to the Red Planet—a true “Moon-to-Mars” strategy if there ever was one.

This decision is not without risk: NASA previously selected at least two companies to provide commercial cargo and crew services (https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/commercial-crew) to the International Space Station (https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/international-space-station) in order to preserve competition, control cost, and ensure redundancy. By selecting only SpaceX, NASA is putting all its eggs in one basket.

But SpaceX has previously delivered on its NASA contracts. In the past 20 years they have grown from a small startup to the world’s premier aerospace company, launching cargo and astronauts at a pace commensurate with national space agencies. NASA now places the lives of its astronauts in the hands of SpaceX to reach the ISS, relies on the company to supply the space station, and places its precious scientific missions atop their rockets.

If Starship succeeds in returning humans to the lunar surface, it will be the ultimate vindication of the public-private partnership model. NASA will gain a lunar lander at a fraction of the cost of the Apollo-era Lunar Module, and SpaceX—a private entity—would gain independent access to the lunar surface, a locale previously the domain of a single nation.

And in the same fell swoop, both organizations would step toward Mars.

https://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/web/assets/pictures/_2400x1350_crop_center-center_82_line/spacex-starship-on-the-moon.jpg.webp
Starship on the Moon — SpaceX's Starship vehicle sits on the Moon as NASA astronauts explore the surface.

The Background

Humans have not traveled beyond Earth orbit since the Apollo program (https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/apollo) ended in 1972. NASA has officially been trying to change that since 2004, when President George W. Bush announced what became the agency’s back-to-the-Moon Constellation program (https://www.planetary.org/articles/20160801-horizon-goal-part-2).

In 2010, the Obama administration canceled Constellation (https://www.planetary.org/articles/20160822-horizon-goal-part-3), but two key pieces of the program survived: the Orion crew capsule and a rocket that became what is now the Space Launch System, or SLS. Both vehicles are being developed using classic “cost-plus” contracting, where NASA pays for the full cost of development, even if costs rise far above initial estimates.

NASA’s Artemis program will use the SLS to blast astronauts to lunar orbit aboard Orion, where they will meet up with a previously-emplaced lunar lander to travel to the surface and back. Orion in the future will also dock with the Gateway, a small space station in lunar orbit. From there, astronauts can conduct science and transfer to lunar landers.

Rather than building a lunar lander in-house the way it does with SLS and Orion, NASA opted to pay space companies a fixed price to build their own lunar landers, which the companies will own. NASA in turn can purchase ongoing landing services from these providers. The total cost to NASA is therefore fixed—any cost overruns are shouldered by the companies.

Conversely, if companies can deliver their landers for less than the cost of the contract, the company retains the difference as a profit. NASA successfully deployed this model to ferry crews and cargo to the ISS (https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/commercial-crew).

Encouraged by a business-friendly White House that pushed for a 2024 Moon landing (https://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2017/1228-what-changed-in-space-directive-1.html), NASA expanded its use of public-private partnerships beyond low-Earth orbit, creating new programs for commercial lunar payload deliveries of scientific instrumentation and technology demonstration missions. Last year, the agency funded SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Dynetics (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-selects-blue-origin-dynetics-spacex-for-artemis-human-landers) to develop human-ready Moon lander concepts for Artemis, and proposed to spend nearly $21 billion over the next five years to support multiple human landing vehicles.

But despite strong White House support, Congress last year provided only $850 million for lunar landers (https://www.planetary.org/articles/nasa-fy2021-budget-wrap-up)—far below the $3.4 billion NASA requested. Faced with a funding shortfall, NASA delayed its decision (https://spacenews.com/nasa-to-delay-decision-on-artemis-lunar-landers/) to select which companies would receive funding for continued development of their moon landers.

That is, until last week, when NASA announced they would go all-in on Starship.

NASA would have probably liked to pick more than one provider for redundancy. But with little funds to go on and the prospect of seeing the Moon landings drag out for many more years, they picked the cheapest—and most likely to succeed—option: SpaceX.

https://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/web/assets/pictures/_2400x1600_crop_center-center_82_line/spacex-nasa-demo-2-liftoff.jpg.webp
NASA astronauts ride a commercial rocket — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off carrying NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on the first crewed commercial flight to the International Space Station on 30 May 2020.

How to Land Humans on the Moon

SpaceX’s Starship is designed to be much more than a lunar lander—it’s actually an end-to-end transport system designed to ferry people to Mars. The vehicle launches and lands upright, similar to the way the company’s Falcon 9 boosters return to Earth for reuse. SpaceX has been working on Starship for years, building prototypes and destroying them at a rapid pace as they perfect the vehicle’s ability to land upright.

But despite Starship’s ability to launch humans directly from Earth to the Moon or Mars, that’s not how NASA will initially use it.

For Artemis, Starship will blast off without a crew to lunar orbit. NASA astronauts will launch aboard Orion and SLS, and then either directly dock with Starship or transfer to it via the Gateway (https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1383156275886886914?s=20). A crew will take Starship to the surface, stay for about a week, and then launch back to lunar orbit, where they will transfer back to Orion for return to Earth.

NASA’s source selection documents showed that Starship was both cheaper and more capable (https://twitter.com/wapodavenport/status/1383125840184115203?s=20) than the landers proposed by Blue Origin and Dynetics. Dynetics brought to the table a history with NASA and the Department of Defense, while Blue Origin’s proposal featured its “National Team” (https://www.blueorigin.com/blue-moon/national-team) consisting of stalwart contractors Lockheed Martin, Draper Labs, and Northrop Grumman.

This is not the end of either the National Team or Dynetics lunar lander concepts. The $2.9 billion contract awarded by NASA is for development activities, one uncrewed landing test, and one crewed landing demonstration of Starship. NASA plans to compete a subsequent contract for ongoing lunar surface ferry operations. Anyone can bid on that, so the other teams could continue to self-fund to mature their lunar landing designs in the interim.

https://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/web/assets/pictures/_2400x1265_crop_center-center_82_line/starship-sn10-landing.jpg.webp
Starship comes in hot — SpaceX's Starship rocket prepares to land following a high-altitude test flight on 3 March 2021. Starship landed in one piece for the first time ever but exploded minutes later. An unexpected flame appeared in the engine section just before touchdown.

Implications for the Space Launch System

In theory, if SpaceX’s Starship can land on the Moon, it can ferry humans there as well. There’s no need for the Space Launch System and Orion at all.

In theory. But NASA’s not ready to say goodbye to those vehicles yet, and with good reason.

First, the technical side: While SpaceX has shown that it can reliably land the booster stage of its Falcon 9 rocket upright (although one occasionally misses the mark), the spent booster stage doesn’t currently land with a heavy, pressurized crew capsule on top of it.

Starship, meanwhile, is an order of magnitude larger than the Falcon 9, and is still trying to perfect its landing on Earth. Its booster, the Super Heavy, has yet to fly. NASA is not yet ready to launch its astronauts on such a new system, though that could change over time.

Additionally, vehicles returning to Earth from the Moon hit the atmosphere at much higher speeds than they do when returning from Earth orbit. NASA’s Orion crew capsule, which uses legacy heat shield technology that dates back to the Apollo program, successfully tested a high-speed reentry during its 2014 test flight. The gargantuan Starship vehicle will belly-flop through the atmosphere, taking a page out of the Space Shuttle’s playbook (https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/space-shuttle). Starship has yet to successfully land from Earth orbit, let alone lunar orbit.

That brings us to the second reason: politics.

SLS and Orion were written into U.S. law by the Senate in the 2010 NASA Authorization bill and employ tens of thousands of people in every state. Congressional support for the projects has remained strong over the years, even as the projects have delayed their schedules and blown their original budget projections. By merely flirting with non-SLS options for sending humans to the Moon, as former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine did two years ago, the agency incited the wrath of powerful Senators (https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/08/nasa-chief-alienates-senators-needed-to-fund-the-moon-program/).

The current plan for Artemis is thus an artful mix of political and technological compromises. Every major NASA contractor participates in the program, as will the agency’s major international partners through the Gateway program. Artemis comprises both classic cost-plus and contracts and new fixed-price contracts for its major components, with jobs distributed around the country. It is the inevitable outcome for a large project that depends on discretionary spending overseen by a representational political system.

https://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/web/assets/pictures/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/starship-mars-atmospheric-entry.jpg.webp
Starship enters Mars' atmosphere — This artist's concept shows SpaceX's Starship vehicle heating up as it enters Mars's atmosphere.

Moon to Mars

Despite the current focus on the Moon, NASA’s public relations materials constantly remind us that Mars has not been forgotten. Artemis is a “Moon to Mars” program, though up until this announcement the Mars part of that claim was more ambition than reality.

The Moon and Mars represent markedly different environments and challenges. The Moon is far closer to Earth, allowing astronauts to stay in what is basically real-time communication with the ground. They can return home in a matter of days if something goes wrong. There are launch opportunities roughly every month.

Mars offers no such conveniences. Communications are delayed by tens of minutes, requiring significant increases in spacecraft autonomy. Launch windows are limited to once every two years when Earth and Mars are optimally aligned. Landing on Mars, with its thin atmosphere and significant gravitational well, is a far harder problem than landing on the Moon’s airless expanse.

Nevertheless, the Moon (and more broadly, cislunar space) can be useful for developing and testing the hardware and techniques needed to send humans to Mars. That is, if missions to the Moon are deliberately pursued with Mars in mind—it is all-too-tempting (and cheaper) for engineers to optimize for Moon-only solutions in a tight budgetary environment.

The addition of Starship to Artemis can spurn this temptation. SpaceX is a new breed of aerospace company: one with ambitions beyond that of serving government needs. As a privately-held company, it is under near-total control by its founder, Elon Musk, who can pursue his agenda as long as it makes money. His agenda happens to be human settlements on Mars.

Whether this is a feasible (or even desirable) goal is besides the point. SpaceX has a highly-capable workforce. It is well-capitalized. And it is building a Mars ship with Starship, whether or not NASA chips in.

So by choosing Starship, NASA is gaining a partner with shared long-term goals that is going to Mars regardless of current domestic politics. Both sides benefit. SpaceX will enjoy a significant cash infusion in Starship and will gain access to the lunar surface. NASA saves billions of dollars on a lunar lander while supporting an Mars initiative.

With Starship, NASA is buying the Moon, but it is investing in Mars.

Bill Ryan

6th May 2021, 15:13

Starship SN15 (the next one after SN11, with a zillion improvements) nailed the soft landing last night. The entire space-watching viewership — a large one! — lost their minds. :)

Everyday Astronaut Tim Dodd's new co-host, MaryLiz Bender (a very good presenter, btw, and a great addition to that team) was in tears. The Angry Astronaut (another good presenter) couldn't stop shouting on his own modest handheld livestream.

There are many videos to choose from, but this one shows the emotion: the crowd of SpaceX employees watching with bated breath as the landing clouds settle to reveal the Starship standing proud just after 6:20. The ship coming in through the clouds to land starts at 5:40.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swexWob7UHE
And a good, clear shot of the soft landing from a different camera. :thumbsup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je_MWdR4AWI

ExomatrixTV

15th February 2023, 14:57

How Elon's SpaceX Starship SHOCKED Scientists, will blow your mind...

c-vPglqmC0U
Astronomers breathed a collective sigh of relief as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) sprung to life. Getting the $10-billion telescope up and running following its launch on Christmas Day 2021 had been a nerve-racking affair. JWST would not fit into any modern rocket without being folded, and it had to rely on hundreds of moving parts to unfurl to full size once in space. Ultimately those efforts were successful, and the telescope has started returning some of its first calibration images to thrilled audiences back on Earth. Yet the experience left many astronomers wondering if there was a simpler way to build and launch telescopes of this size. “We were worried about the unfolding,” says John Blevins of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. But with a larger rocket, “you don’t have to unfold in space. You can do it on the ground.” As chance would have it, two such rockets are currently sitting on launchpads. Each should ultimately exceed the power of the mighty Saturn V, which sent the Apollo astronauts to the moon. The first, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), is ready and waiting at Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its inaugural uncrewed voyage around the moon as part of the Artemis I mission—the opening shot in NASA’s plan to return humans to the lunar surface in the 2020s. The rocket, tentatively scheduled for a launch in late this month, is meant to be as reliable as possible and is therefore based, in large part, on legacy hardware from NASA’s Space Shuttle program. But reliance on tried-and-true technology could be its Achilles’ heel: some estimates currently peg the SLS’s cost at an eye-watering $4.1 billion per launch. Presuming it is not scuttled by congressional appropriators feeling buyer’s remorse, its massive size could eventually be a boon for scientists seeking to send larger, more ambitious spacecraft and telescopes throughout the solar system—and even beyond. However, it can't! How Elon's SpaceX Starship SHOCKED Scientists, will blow your mind...

Bill Ryan

6th April 2023, 06:44

This is really just an early alert (and the orbital flight could still be several weeks away), but it looks like they're getting close to launch at last.
:happy dog:

https://zerohedge.com/technology/spacexs-massive-starship-rocket-orbital-test-could-happen-next-week

SpaceX's Massive Starship Rocket Orbital Test Could Happen Next Week

SpaceX's 394-foot-tall Starship Super Heavy rocket could make a key orbital test as soon as next week, according to a Federal Aviation Administration notice.

According to the FAA notice, Starship is scheduled for launch on April 10th from Boca Chica, Texas, with April 11th and 12th as backup dates in case of any unforeseen issues before launch or during the final countdown.

In a statement to Bloomberg, the FAA said that the notice "should not be interpreted as an indicator that a determination to issue a license has been made or is forthcoming. The agency will only make a determination after SpaceX meets all safety and other regulatory requirements."

A Reuters source said the FAA could grant SpaceX's launch license as early as Monday. The source added the licensing process is nearing completion and could take longer due to an environmental compliance review.

The test mission will mark the first launch of the Starship atop a Super Heavy first-stage booster with 33 rocket engines. The Super Heavy booster will attempt a landing in Texas near the launch site, while Starship will attempt a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Did You See Them

6th April 2023, 07:23

Tim Dodd's Everyday Astronaut site is good to keep abreast of the latest events, road closures, timings etc.

https://everydayastronaut.com/starship-orbital-launch-timeline-checklist/

To the Stars !

Bill Ryan

7th April 2023, 18:09

For anyone interested but not all up to speed, this video is a very good intro summary of what's been happening, and what will now soon happen. (We hope! :) ) The first 5-6 minutes or so says it all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmtHyIMn69Q

Bill Ryan

14th April 2023, 21:57

The Starship suborbital launch attempt is go for Monday morning (17 April) US time.
:happy dog:

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1646994586768756736
1646994586768756736
This is what's planned to happen:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fto_zaaaIAAUh6Z?format=jpg&name=medium

There are three major aspects of the test:

Booster lift-off and successfully clearing the launch mount. It's the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, so just getting the thing off the ground is itself a major test all on its own.
A few minutes later, the separation and ignition of the second stage. That's a regular Starship, the kind that flew its own test flights reported earlier on this thread a couple years ago.
Over an hour later, now halfway round the world and over the Pacific, the Starship will flip into horizontal 'belly-flop' mode to re-enter the atmosphere, when the heat shield will be tested, as well as the integrity of the ship to see if it all holds together. (There won't be any attempt (this time) to simulate a soft landing of the second stage Starship. It'll crash into the ocean horizontally and will presumably break up and sink with no attempt at retrieval.)

Mark (Star Mariner)

15th April 2023, 12:38

Bill Ryan

15th April 2023, 12:46

ozmirage

15th April 2023, 13:24

Mark (Star Mariner)

15th April 2023, 15:52

To me this seems little more than a multi-billion dollar demonstration of scaled up, pimped out 1950s technology, given 'they' have had anti-grav and field propulsion cracked for decades now.

I cannot help but marvel at what a spectacular waste of time and money this is.Yes! :ROFL:

But it's still a bunch of fun to see. (Rather like this, vs. a smooth, silent 300 mph Chinese supertrain :) )

Yes fun, and I do look forward to watching the spectacle. But this is also a massive troll, and that's what I find insulting.

What they are doing is hoarding the technology that could transform and rebuild our broken, dysfunctional world. Not just in propulsion/transportation, but energy-tech. Instead of an energy crisis we'd have a bonanza, one that would trigger a new epoch and change everything.

Instead, they feast on the goodies in secret, while we plebs live off the scraps.

Bill Ryan

15th April 2023, 22:52

One of the reasons this is worth sitting on the edge of one's seat for is that success is not at all certain (though, it must be said, it's highly likely). Elon Musk himself tweeted "Excitement guaranteed". Nothing else is!

Some readers may not know this piece of history. The rocket scheduled for its launch attempt on Monday is the most powerful rocket ever built — taking the place of the previous record-holder, the Soviet N1 back in 1969. But this is what happened to the N1.

The giant explosion is to this day the largest accidental man-made explosion, and the largest non-nuclear explosion, there has ever been. With this disaster went the Soviet Union's plans of beating the US to the Moon.

The video, compiled from Soviet archive footage that only much later became public, is less than 2 minutes. :flower:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2eAHvFprE8

Mark (Star Mariner)

16th April 2023, 13:55

One thing sticks in my mind here. It's been over 50 years since the razzmatazz of Apollo, and we haven't been back to the moon in all that time (at least openly!).

Space is a realm under strict control. There are 'things' up there they don't want us to see. Even Nasa got pretty much cancelled when they mothballed the space shuttle. I don't think they want us in space. Space tours, space hotels, colonization of Mars - I don't see any of that happening.

These billionaires looking to privatize space...I think that's a big problem for them. A problem they will probably look to fix.

I'm not making any predictions, but I wouldn't be surprised if SpaceX fails. Maybe it's even set up to fail, the goal: to put the brakes on private space enterprise.

seehas

16th April 2023, 17:00

Mark (Star Mariner)

17th April 2023, 11:18

Well i counter that, Elon Musk will be one of the first 10 humans to ever walk „officialy“ on Mars.

I strongly suspect more than ten humans have walked on Mars already, as I think you do, hence "officially" in double quotes.

Whoever is already up there won't easily allow some upstart entrepreneur to drop in and start p!ssing in their sandbox. There's a reason why most unmanned missions to Mars end in failure, and not all of them are "technical faults".

The chance manned missions could end up the same way is to my mind quite high.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HkCliojx9YNs2HUO5bWht6LwqP8=/0x0:1801x1201/1400x1050/filters:focal(774x883:1062x1171):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51124371/MARS_SUCKS_SCENE3.0.jpg

Bill Ryan

17th April 2023, 11:52

This is the running livestream that I'm watching. SpaceX themselves (https://spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-test) will start their own coverage something like 45 mins before the launch attempt, now targeted for 8:20 am US Central time (88 minutes from now).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vb9hFqF6i0

Bill Ryan

17th April 2023, 15:14

Update: today's (Monday's) launch was scrubbed at about T-10 minutes due to a frozen stuck valve. (Aaargh! :) ) Best guess at the moment for the next attempt is Thursday morning.

Bill Ryan

20th April 2023, 08:50

Update: today's (Monday's) launch was scrubbed at about T-10 minutes due to a frozen stuck valve. (Aaargh! :)) Best guess at the moment for the next attempt is Thursday morning.Yes, they're trying again. The launch window (US Central Time) is from 8:28—9:30 am. Here's the best livestream, coming on air at 6:30 (just under 3 hours from now)
:happy dog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAl3gVvMNNM

Bill Ryan

20th April 2023, 14:17

A brief update: (!) There will be a zillion videos online later. :)

It launched successfully and cleared the pad — but half a dozen of the 33 engines shut down. Soon after that, several other engines seemed to flame out.
Then, after a minute or so but now well away from the launch site, the rocket started to spin and tumble.
After a couple of minutes either the SpaceX team activated the flight termination system (i.e. they purposefully blew it up in mid-air) — or it exploded all on its own. :)
The launch mount, the support tower and the fuel tank farm are all (pretty much!) intact and undamaged. That alone is a major success. There was always the risk, almost impossible to evaluate, that the entire launch area might have been badly damaged from the immense power of the 33 engines.

Here's the truly impressive lift-off: (of the largest and most powerful rocket ever built)

https://twitter.com/heydave7/status/1649057151065919491 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1649043715686793218)
1649057151065919491
This zoomed image shows the 8 failed engines which caused the entire flight to become unstable. This double ring of engines is supposed to be symmetrical. :)

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/assets/58669.0/2177252.jpg

But overall, it was a genuine success. (Yes, really!) The only bad outcome here would have been if the rocket had fallen back on the launch pad and destroyed everything.

It actually lifted off.
The launch pad is intact.
SpaceX will have a ton of good telemetry data to analyze over the coming weeks, prior to the next attempt in a few months time.

AlaBil

20th April 2023, 14:37

Watched it live and it was really, really exciting. Great to be headed back to space and to do it with a private company is amazing. Watching the crowd at SpaceX headquarter, the vast majority of the people shown were young. I was not sure this next generation had it in them to get back to space.

Great job Space X and great vision to you Elon Musk!

Bill Ryan

20th April 2023, 19:14

The launch mount, the support tower and the fuel tank farm are all (pretty much!) intact and undamaged. That alone is a major success. There was always the risk, almost impossible to evaluate, that the entire launch area might have been badly damaged from the immense power of the 33 engines.There's been a huge amount of discussion and speculation among the SpaceX-watching community (which consists of a lot of very bright people and highly experienced engineers), prior to any kind of formal post mortem statement from Elon Musk and his team.

It seems that:

While the launch mount, tower and tank farm are all intact, there's actually a huge crater under the launch mount where the 33 raptor engines blasted into the concrete. That's like a large bomb going off, and videos show huge chunks of concrete flying into the sea as far as half a mile away. Many observers believe that some of the debris probably impacted the engines or other systems during the several seconds before it was released from the launch mount.

One of the systems that seems to have been damaged or failed was the HPU (Hydraulic Power Unit), which was critical. That controls the gimbaling (directional steering) of the engines, as well as (it's being assumed) the release of the second stage (the Starship itself) from the Booster. (The two never actually separated, even when it was doing its cartwheels in the upper atmosphere.)

An amazing photo showing (a) the size of the rocket, and (b) the scale of the explosive blast at takeoff:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FuKYf5tacAQ2I-3?format=jpg&name=large

Ravenlocke

20th April 2023, 21:14

The liftoff and flight starts at the 45 minute mark

Starship gave us quite a show during today’s first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Starbase in Texas.

At 8:33 a.m. CT, Starship successfully lifted off from the orbital launch pad for the first time. The vehicle cleared the pad and beach as Starship climbed to an apogee of ~39 km over the Gulf of Mexico – the highest of any Starship to-date. The vehicle experienced multiple engines out during the flight test, lost altitude, and began to tumble. The flight termination system was commanded on both the booster and ship. As is standard procedure, the pad and surrounding area was cleared well in advance of the test, and we expect the road and beach near the pad to remain closed until tomorrow.

-1wcilQ58hI

mountain_jim

22nd April 2023, 15:07

going to need to rethink the pad structure. Saw another video of flying concrete cratering a car...

Louis Balderas, the founder of LabPadre, which films SpaceX’s launches, said that while it was common to see some debris, smoke and dust, the impact of Thursday’s liftoff was unlike anything he had ever seen. “There were bowling ball-sized pieces of concrete that came flying out of the launchpad area,” Mr. Balderas said.

https://twitter.com/_emergent_/status/1649582330263003136?s=20

1649582330263003136

later

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1649521329765330945?s=20

1649521329765330945

4qkib-rlDWQ

Bill Ryan

23rd April 2023, 01:37

In the online armchair engineer community watching all this, there's a great deal of hand-wringing, 20-20 hindsight criticism, and know-it-all "I told you so"s. About 2/3 are harping about the whole thing, while 1/3 are enthusiastically celebrating a historic test flight.

Here, in an excellent 5 minute interview on CTV News, former NASA astronaut and test pilot Chris Hadfield states exactly how it is — pointing out that the very first test flight of ANY newly designed aircraft or space vehicle nearly always only just gets off the ground (if that :) ). It's worth listening to. I agree with everything he says.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiDGb1CXw4I
And here's the archived real-time livestream from SpaceX themselves, which was also posted above. :thumbsup:

Start in at 40 minutes, and feel first the suspense and then the ecstatic delight among the SpaceX employees who can barely contain their excitement as this ginormous rocket fires up and slowly starts to leave the ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1wcilQ58hI
Much of the internet hand-wringing has been about the flying-concrete damage around the launch site, but it's all intact. The tank farm has some tents, and the launch mount has a sizeable crater under it, but all that can be fixed within a couple of months. The bigger obstacle might be FAA approval for the next attempt, if the authorities get worried about worst-case scenarios, which is [partly] their job.

Finally, an interesting snippet of insight, while everyone awaits a formal statement from SpaceX of what did and didn't go as planned. One imagines they're still sifting through a whole mountain of flight telemetry data, while engineers start to examine the launch pad area to see how superficial (or not) the damage is.

Two members of the NSF forum (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=58671.1320) (which I've been scanning with interest as a guest), themselves experienced retired engineers, have spoken to SpaceX engineers off the record who say that the entire thing went absolutely as well as could be hoped for until the stage separation, which failed. That failure auto-activated the remote flight termination system. (No human would have pressed the "destruct" button: it was all computer controlled.)

The thing was intended to rotate in the upper atmosphere at a certain height (alarmingly to the human eye!), rather like a field athlete spinning a couple of times before letting go of the discus. (In other words, a kind of sling-shot effect.) The flight self-terminated — apparently — merely because of the failed separation. It's possible that one reason for that was because several failing engines prevented it from reaching the correct high altitude, but that will all come out in the wash when SpaceX are ready to explain everything that we saw.
:happy dog:

Johnnycomelately

23rd April 2023, 03:22

In the online armchair engineer community watching all this, there's a great deal of hand-wringing, 20-20 hindsight criticism, and know-it-all "I told you so"s. About 2/3 are harping about the whole thing, while 1/3 are enthusiastically celebrating a historic test flight.

Here, in an excellent 5 minute interview on CTV News, former NASA astronaut and test pilot Chris Hadfield states exactly how it is — pointing out that the very first test flight of ANY newly designed aircraft or space vehicle nearly always only just gets off the ground (if that :) ). It's worth listening to. I agree with everything he says.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiDGb1CXw4I

Much of the internet hand-wringing has been about the flying-concrete damage around the launch site, but it's all intact. The tank farm has some tents, and the launch mount has a sizeable crater under it, but all that can be fixed within a couple of months. The bigger obstacle might be FAA approval for the next attempt, if the authorities get worried about worst-case scenarios, which is [partly] their job.
.
.
Finally, an interesting snippet of insight, while everyone awaits a formal statement from SpaceX of what did and didn't go as planned. One imagines they're still sifting through a whole mountain of flight telemetry data, while engineers start to examine the launch pad area to see how superficial (or not) the damage is.
.
.
The thing was intended to rotate in the upper atmosphere at a certain height (alarmingly to the human eye!), rather like a field athlete spinning a couple of times before letting go of the discus. (In other words, a kind of sling-shot effect.) The flight self-terminated — apparently — merely because of the failed separation. It's possible that one reason for that was because several failing engines prevented it from reaching the correct high altitude, but that will all come out in the wash when SpaceX are ready to explain everything that we saw.
:happy dog:

Is a critical opinion not legitimate, if it can be charactized as “hand-wringing”? The definition says this means the excessive display of concern or distress.

My hands are relaxed, and so are my mind and emotions. Mr. Hadfield gave a good pep talk, as have many others, but the reason for the rocket failure seems likely to be damage to on-board systems, due to flying chunks of concrete.

It’s not about how badly the launch area was damaged, it’s a question of how this mode of failure (of the rocket) was not foreseen. Is concrete not a well understood thing? This brings into question the competence of SpaceX’ engineering management, IMO. I don’t want to, and so don’t, entertain the idea that they intended this failure mode.

The high groundwater level at the site is why they used that setup. I predict that, if they really want to keep launching from there, they will raise the launch platform (and, then necessarily, the service tower), and incorporate suitable geometries and maybe add water ablatement. Might take a bit longer than just repairs.

From my limited POV, I am onside. Onward and upward! ~8D

Bill Ryan

30th April 2023, 12:34

grapevine

30th April 2023, 23:24

Funny you should say that Bill . . .

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57045770
The SpaceX CEO spoke about his use of social media, saying: "I sometimes say or post strange things"

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has revealed he has Asperger's syndrome while appearing on the US comedy sketch series Saturday Night Live (SNL).

The 49-year-old told viewers he was "the first person with Asperger's" to host the long-running programme - to loud cheers from the audience.

People with Asperger's interpret the environment around them differently to other people.

It is thought to be the first time Mr Musk has spoken about his condition.

Bill Ryan

1st May 2023, 00:28

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has revealed he has Asperger's syndrome while appearing on the US comedy sketch series Saturday Night Live (SNL).

The 49-year-old told viewers he was "the first person with Asperger's" to host the long-running programme - to loud cheers from the audience.

People with Asperger's interpret the environment around them differently to other people.

It is thought to be the first time Mr Musk has spoken about his condition.Ha. Very very interesting, and I totally never knew that. The BBC article (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57045770) you cited was 2 years ago.

But I've had some personal experience with people with Aspergers, and hearing Elon in that audio conversation (https://youtube.com/watch?v=mmIqSPux3FY) it became very clear. It's worth listening to (just a few minutes anywhere in the stream), and the symptoms are right there.

They can be exceptionally intelligent and able, are often extremely good at processing information, and can hold down high-level positions easily. But when they're a little stressed, distracted, or for some reason not feeling totally on the ball, they can go way out of whack — or even way off the rails! — rather more easily than other people.

Johnnycomelately

1st May 2023, 04:40

This would be very interesting for armchair rocket geeks (and no-one else! :P ), a detailed live audio-only Q&A held with Elon Musk 12 hours ago about what the heck really happened with the last Starship launch.

I've posted it here not for the engineering discussion, but because I was astonished how truly terrible Elon was when trying to explain things to others, even when his audience was fairly well-informed. Maybe he was stressed, completely unprepared, or hadn't had enough sleep, but he was just so totally inarticulate it really surprised me.

As an aside (but the discussion doesn't really belong on this thread!), he seemed to me to show every symptom of being on the autistic spectrum — which I'd now guess he probably is, as a high-performing Aspergers. Listen in for a couple minutes at almost any point, and you may be able to see this clearly.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mmIqSPux3FY

Much thanks, Bill, for posting this audio Q&A. My previous questions about the launch pad, and their way forward, were answered and informed. Learned lots else, too.

Shoutout to co-host Everyday Astronaut. He has done several really interesting 1-1 interviews with Elon, getting to a level of technical/engineering that I have rarely heard and often missed.

I kept listening for Elon to falter, and came up empty. Probably just me having hardwired filters for his kind of lurching gait of talk. One of my drilling-rig crews called me Lurch, after the Addams Family character. I thought it was about my awkward walking gait across the frozen uneven mud of the lease/location, but now I’m not so sure. A crew on a different rig called me “Johnny-5” lol (an ~autistic robot in a movie (which I had seen)), and I didn’t figure that out until later.

ExomatrixTV

3rd June 2023, 00:25

SpaceX's Starship Is About To Do It Again!?

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SpaceX needs these weird plates like crazy for Starship. Falcon 9 scored some epic achievements again! There are loads of new insights about NASA's Artemis I, and a simple human error destroyed a lunar lander! There’s a ton of interesting new info, so stay tuned, and let’s dive right in!

ExomatrixTV

6th June 2023, 12:58

LIVE! NASA SpaceX CRS-28 Resupply Launch:

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Date: June 5, 2023
Pad : Launch Complex 39A
Location : NASA Kennedy Space Center
Rocket : Falcon 9

Learn much more about the mission: here (https://tlpnetwork.com/launch/crs-spx-28)

The International Space Station orbits Earth, at an average altitude of 248 miles (400 kilometers). It circles the globe every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h).

ExomatrixTV

9th June 2023, 17:16

SpaceX FINALLY changes assembly of new Starship Launch Pad!:

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The Starship production line is coming together FAST while SpaceX is fighting Physics on the launch pad. More intriguing-looking parts spotted at Starbase. Psyche launch is back on track! And North Korea is trying to spy on you and me. A lot more to uncover! Stay tuned, and let’s dive right in!

ExomatrixTV

18th June 2023, 12:46

Spacex Updates Starship Timeline! How Is This Possible So Fast?

chuHlKmUpC4
A Starship static fire is imminent. The first Mega Bay 2 section goes up. Rocket Factory Augsburg wants to provide Europe with access to space, and SpaceX is launching another set of Starlinks!

ExomatrixTV

18th June 2023, 15:01

Starship Vs N1... Is Starship "Doomed" To Repeat History?

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Has SpaceX fallen into a similarly flawed design that plagued the N1? Why did they choose so many engines? Will it continue to suffer a similar fate over and over like the N1 or is there something inherently different?

Today we’ll answer those questions and compare the two most powerful rockets ever made, from different sides of the world and from completely different eras to figure out how they’re similar and perhaps more importantly, how they’re different.

00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Starship VS N1
04:40 - Comparing engines
06:25 - Common philosophies
14:30 - Trial by flying
19:55 - Will starship repeat history?
26:20 - My opinion / Summary

On April 20, 2023, SpaceX’s Starship and its Super Heavy booster broke the record set by the Soviet Union’s N1 rocket, becoming the world’s most powerful rocket. Despite the differences in time and geography, these two rockets share striking similarities. In this article, we will explore the parallels between the N1 and Starship, analyze their designs, and examine the reasons behind their engine choices. Additionally, we will discuss their respective capabilities and the philosophies that guided their development.

Let’s begin by comparing the N1 and Starship side by side. The N1 was the Soviet Union’s ambitious attempt at a moon rocket, aiming to rival the United States’ Saturn V. It was an enormous rocket, measuring 17 meters in width at the base, tapering up to six meters in width for the upper stages, and towering at an impressive height of 105 meters. When fully fueled, it massed 2,735 metric tonnes.

In contrast, Starship is even taller, standing at 120 meters, with a width of 9 meters for both stages. However, what sets Starship apart is its weight when fully fueled, which reaches approximately 5,000 metric tonnes—nearly double that of the N1. Starship’s design enables it to carry up to 150 tonnes into low-Earth orbit, making it the most capable rocket ever built.

The N1 employed kerolox, a combination of RG-1 and liquid oxygen, as its propellants. Starship utilizes methalox—a mixture of liquid methane and liquid oxygen. Another distinction lies in the number of stages, with the N1 having a minimum of three stages, but for lunar missions, it utilized up to five stages, similar to the Saturn V. In contrast, Starship is a two-stage rocket, comprising the Super Heavy booster stage and the Starship upper stage, both of which are designed to be fully reusable.

https://everydayastronaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Starship-VS-N1-1-1024x576.jpg

Starship vs N1. (Credit: Everyday Astronaut) Perhaps the most prominent similarity between the N1 and Starship lies in the number of engines they employ. The N1’s Block A first stage featured 30 NK-15 engines, while the Starship’s Super Heavy booster boasts 33 Raptor 2 engines. The N1 had additional engines on subsequent stages, whereas Starship relies on a combination of three sea-level Raptors and three vacuum-optimized Raptors on its upper stage. However, it’s important to note that these engine configurations for Starship are subject to change as the rocket is still in development.

The NK-15 engines on the N1 Block A Booster utilized an oxygen-rich closed cycle, a technology the Soviets had mastered in the early 1960s. These engines produced 1,526 kN of thrust and had a specific impulse of 297 seconds at sea level, with a mass of approximately 1,250 kg. The Raptor 2 engines on Starship produce 2,255 kN of thrust and have a specific impulse of 327 seconds at sea level while massing only 1,600 kg. Consequently, the Raptor 2 engine has a superior thrust-to-weight ratio of approximately 144:1 compared to the NK-15’s 122:1 ratio. This means that not only is the Raptor 2 more efficient and produces more thrust per kilogram—a crucial advantage.

https://everydayastronaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Starship-VS-N1.00_05_39_17.Still003-1024x576.jpg

Philosophies

One common question people have is why these rockets have so many engines. Doesn’t more engines mean more potential points of failure and a more complicated system? While it’s true that more engines have the potential for more failure points, there are several advantages to having many smaller engines.

One advantage is that the loss of an engine has less impact on total thrust levels with many smaller engines compared to fewer larger engines. For example, the N1 rocket had 30 engines producing 45 MN of thrust, while the Saturn V had 35 MN of thrust from just five engines. If one engine failed on the Saturn V, it would result in a 20% loss of thrust, potentially jeopardizing the mission. In contrast, losing one engine out of the N1’s 30 engines would only result in a 3% loss of thrust, which is within acceptable margins to continue the mission.

https://everydayastronaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Starship-VS-N1.00_07_24_18.Still004-1024x576.jpg

Additionally, a larger number of engines can provide more robustness in the event of an engine failure. Although more engines increase the chances of failure, having multiple engines allows the rocket to continue operating even if one engine fails. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, which uses nine smaller engines, has demonstrated this reliability, with only two engine shutdowns during ascent that did not result in mission failure. Moreover, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, equipped with 27 engines, has maintained a flawless record of mission success.

To enhance reliability, each engine can be enclosed in its own blast containment shield, preventing a catastrophic failure from affecting neighboring engines. SpaceX has implemented improvements in blast containment shields for their Super Heavy boosters to enhance safety.

Aside from operational advantages, many small engines offer cost benefits and easier handling. The economies of scale come into play when producing a larger number of smaller engines, allowing for quicker depreciation of research and development costs. SpaceX has already achieved significant cost reductions in engine production, with the Raptor 2 engines costing less than $1,000,000 each, compared to the F-1 engine on the Saturn V, which cost approximately $115,000,000 per engine in today’s currency. Smaller engines are also less prone to combustion instability issues that larger engines can face.
Furthermore, the smaller size of engines makes them easier to handle, test, install, and transport. Higher production rates and more frequent testing provide more opportunities to identify flaws and make improvements in manufacturing. With several smaller engines, there is more testing time available to refine the engine design and ensure reliability.

Although the initial flights of Starship showcased some engine issues, SpaceX has produced over 300 Raptor engines and implemented a more rigorous testing regime, aiming to achieve outstanding reliability. The decision to fly early versions of the rocket, despite lower success probabilities, is driven by the pursuit of learning and improving the system, similar to the approach taken by the Soviet Union with the N1.

Trial By Flying

The Soviet Union had limited options with the N1 rocket due to its inability to conduct thorough static fire tests. They couldn’t even test fire each individual engine, as the NK-15 engines used pyrotechnics to open valves, rendering them single-use. Instead, they opted to test only one in every six engines (many places online say one in every three, which is incorrect) to identify general production errors. Consequently, the engines used in the N1 flights were not test-fired before launch. This compelled the Soviets to rely on launch tests as the only means to evaluate the N1’s performance.

https://everydayastronaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Starship-VS-N1.00_07_57_04.Still005-1024x576.jpg

Similarly, SpaceX chose a similar philosophy of iterative testing with Starship, despite conducting engine tests and static fire tests. They believe that testing, even if it fails, provides valuable data and insights. Rather than trying to solve all the complexities of flying, landing, and reusing the world’s largest rocket in one go, SpaceX adopts a step-by-step approach, learning from each test.

The first integrated test flight of Starship aimed to clear the launch pad without catastrophic failure, although it did result in violent concrete ejections that damaged parts of the complex. Nevertheless, the flight validated various aspects, including passing through Max Q, testing the heat shield tiles under strong wind shears, and confirming the functionality of systems and equipment. SpaceX gained real-world experience and identified areas for improvement, such as the flight termination system.

The question arises: Why did both SpaceX and the Soviet Union opt for this iterative design process instead of thoroughly engineering and testing each part for high success rates on the first flight? The answer lies in the differences in their contexts. NASA’s SLS rocket, for example, underwent extensive testing and engineering over 12 years, aiming for flawless performance to avoid cancellation. The SLS achieved a high degree of success on its first launch, but at a significantly higher cost.

On the other hand, Starship began its engine development in 2016 and became a full-fledged project at SpaceX around the same time. It took seven years to conduct the first integrated flight test, and the rocket is still far from operational. However, the iterative process allows for rapid production, evolution, and improvement of Starship, positioning it for operational status in the future.

SpaceX follows a “build fast, test, break stuff, iterate, fly, blow stuff up, learn from it, repeat” approach, akin to the Soviet Union’s philosophy. While the N1 faced a different fate, Starship’s future remains uncertain. However, considering its potential for operational capabilities, continued improvement, and adaptability, Starship is poised to carve its own path and achieve success in the years to come.

Will Starship Suffer The Same Fate?

The failure of the N1 rocket cannot be attributed solely to the number of engines it had. While the number of engines played a role, the root cause of failure was primarily the quality of the NK-15 engines. These engines were relatively new, untested, and prone to failure. The lack of testing for both the engines and the full first stage, coupled with the use of a primitive computer system called KORD to manage the numerous engines, created a recipe for disaster.

https://everydayastronaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Starship-VS-N1.00_15_33_29.Still013-1024x576.jpg

Thrust differential, the mode of steering used by the N1, also posed challenges. It required precise throttle commands and resulted in more time spent in transients as the engines throttled up and down. If an engine shut down, the KORD computer had to shut down the opposite engine to maintain equal thrust. This meant that the N1 could only afford to lose two engines since each shutdown required the opposite engine to be shut down as well, leaving little room for error.

In contrast, Starship’s Super Heavy booster primarily steers through the center 13 engines, which are capable of gimballing. Gimballing allows the engines to swivel and provide pitch, yaw, and roll control. The Raptor engines used in Starship have an impressive gimbal range of 15 degrees and can make rapid adjustments using electromechanical servo thrust vector controls. This means that if an engine fails, Starship can maintain control by adjusting the gimbal angles, without needing to shut down opposing engine pairs.

Despite the challenges faced by the N1, it is believed that they would have eventually resolved the issues and improved the rocket’s performance. The N1-F, the next iteration of the N1, was expected to feature upgraded and more reliable engines, the NK-33.
Starship benefits from over 50 years of advancements in computer and aerospace technologies. Modern computers allow the engines to detect anomalies and shut down before catastrophic failure occurs. Furthermore, SpaceX has a solid revenue stream from being a leading launch provider and rapidly expanding its Starlink internet service. They are investing significant resources into Starship and have the goal of mass-producing the rockets. SpaceX’s track record of achieving once thought-impossible feats and its commitment to innovation make them less susceptible to running out of funds or facing untimely setbacks.

SpaceX is already developing multiple facilities to scale up Starship production, and there are several vehicles near completion. While they currently lack a working launch pad, it is reasonable to believe that SpaceX will find a solution. It’s important to note that these assessments are not biased but based on SpaceX’s demonstrated ability to overcome challenges and accomplish remarkable feats in a relatively short period.

Summary

In summary, while the N1 faced significant difficulties, Starship has the advantage of technological advancements, financial stability, and a proven track record of pushing boundaries. SpaceX’s commitment to iterative design, economies of scale, and reusability positions Starship for success and the potential to revolutionize space transportation.

source (https://everydayastronaut.com/starship-vs-n1)

ExomatrixTV

20th June 2023, 19:20

SpaceX is finishing the NEW Starship Pad Construction!

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Starship 25 gets extremely frosty as SpaceX attempts a spin prime. NASA finally wants to help develop a Starship Space Station. Rocket Lab launches a very secretive suborbital mission, and Ariane 5 isn’t flight-worthy just days before its last flight.

ExomatrixTV

25th June 2023, 09:30

SpaceX is ramping up for Starship Launch No. 2!:

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Want to know how exactly SpaceX will build the Starship water-cooled steel plate? We go all the way into detail this time! Want to know everything there’s to know about Massey’s Starship test site? Stay tuned! On top, Falcon 9 conducts another flawless mission, and Relativity Space is sending a lander to Mars.

00:00 Intro
00:59 Starship 25 frosty tanking test
03:33 A spin prime is a simple engine test
06:32 Significant progress at Starbase Construction Site
10:12 NASA Cooperating with SpaceX for Starship Station
13:45 The trend toward reusability in the space industry is evident
16:46 Rocket Lab suborbital rocket. Arianespace delay for Ariane 5
20:18 Alarm beeping and a mention of June 15th

ExomatrixTV

26th June 2023, 12:17

SpaceX's NEW Raptor Engine is Mind-blowing:

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Starship, SpaceX’s mars bound rocket is set to receive a huge update as its engine raptor is getting a remodel, promised to bring a monumental revolution. In fact, it’s a big boost to power to become the most powerful engine ever built. Yeah, SpaceX just shocked the whole rocket industry with NEW ENGINE - Raptor 3. How does the Raptor 3 stack up against other engines? And how will this enhancement impact SpaceX's future? Analyze everything about this in today's episode of Alpha Tech: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had set his goals for Mars since the company’s conception in 2002, initiating a stepwise process beginning with uncrewed flights of the small Falcon 1 before upgrading to commercial missions with the larger Falcon 9, followed by crewed flights to near-Earth space and heavy-lift missions of the Falcon Heavy, including precursor missions to Mars. Achieving this ambitious goal requires a massive launch vehicle with a cluster of high-powered engines, a propulsion system for operating in deep space, and a propulsive landing and ascent architecture for operation in the Martian atmosphere. SpaceX's NEW Raptor Engine is mind-blowing than you think!

ExomatrixTV

27th June 2023, 22:19

SpaceX's Radical Starship Design Change: Hot Staging Confirmed!:

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How will the second Starship flight differ from the first one? Did SpaceX and Elon Musk just confirm our speculations about Starship hot staging? Who was selected for the Crew 7 mission? And did Vulcan get delayed… again?

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Musk just revealed Starship's hardest technical problem...:

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Elon Musk just revealed Starship's hardest technical problem SpaceX is going for a second try to launch its Starship to orbit, but don't get your hopes up too high. There's still a 40% chance of a big boom, which is only slightly better than the previous attempt. The key factor is how well they can pull off the stage separation, which involves igniting the upper stage engines while still attached to the booster. Sounds crazy, right? Even Elon Musk thinks so. He said it's the most risky thing for the next flight. But why do they do it? Find out everything you need to know about Starship's toughest challenge in today's episode of Alpha Tech! Musk just revealed Starship's hardest technical problem...

Elon Musk just revealed Starship NEW major DESIGN upgrades to reach orbit:

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Elon Musk just revealed Starship NEW major DESIGN upgrades to reach orbit. SpaceX just pulled off a stunning feat with its newest Starship prototype, Ship 25. For the first time ever, the massive rocket fired up all six of its Raptor engines in one go, without any prior tests. That's right, no warm-ups, no rehearsals, just pure rocket power. This is a huge milestone for SpaceX, as it shows how much confidence they have in their Starship design. You may remember that two months ago, SpaceX launched its first Starship orbital flight, which was a historic achievement in itself. But since then, they have been busy making over 1,000 improvements to the next version of Starship, which is now ready to take to the skies. So, what are some of the changes that SpaceX has made to Ship 25? And what are their plans for the future of Starship? Stay tuned as we dive into these questions and more in this episode of Alpha Tech! SpaceX took the first step towards another highly anticipated orbital test flight later this year after it conducted a static fire of the Starship second stage spacecraft yesterday. The test was a success and SpaceX soon confirmed on its Twitter later on that the test was a success with 6 engines fired on Ship 25. While Ship 25 does not feature many upgrades over Ship 24, its upcoming flight is certainly no less exciting as the Starship S25 introduces a range of modifications that enhance its functionality and performance. Musk outlined some of the Starship rocket modifications in a Twitter Spaces discussion on Saturday with journalist Ashlee Vance. Elon Musk just revealed Starship NEW major DESIGN upgrades to reach orbit.

ExomatrixTV

29th June 2023, 15:04

SpaceX's Starship Interior Design NEW UPDATE!

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On April 20, Starship achieved a significant milestone thanks to its first test launch, an undeniable feat. This accomplishment has provided SpaceX with valuable data to further develop the Starship for critical future missions, particularly those involving human passengers. But just a spacecraft that can fly won't mean anything to Elon Musk's goal of colonizing Mars, Starship also requires to have a meticulously planned and designed interior space to cater to extended-duration stays. That's something they've changed! Nick Cummings, senior director of SpaceX, recently unveiled an exciting revelation about the interior design of the Starship that includes a host of features and amenities guaranteed for an enjoyable trip to any celestial destination.

ExomatrixTV

29th June 2023, 17:11

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ExomatrixTV

1st July 2023, 20:47

The Real Reason SpaceX Developed The Starship!:

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ExomatrixTV

14th July 2023, 18:06

Why Starship's 1st to orbit is even more important than SpaceX thinks!:

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In South Texas, the commercial spaceflight company SpaceX is preparing to test a huge, stainless-steel rocket. The machine could one day carry humans to the moon, Mars and beyond. But before any of these big dreams can happen, SpaceX needs to prove that Starship can actually reach orbit. Yeah, Starship's 1st to orbit is even more important than SpaceX thinks... First up, experts are calling this a testament of the tireless efforts of SpaceX engineers, which spans over a decade. They have been working day and night just to see Starship reach orbit. It all started with a 2012 announcement of plans to develop a rocket with substantially greater capabilities than SpaceX's existing Falcon 9. It was underpinned by the ambition to enable human exploration and settlement of Mars. The company would go on to create a succession of designs for such a vehicle, under various names like Mars Colonial Transporter, Interplanetary Transport System, and BFR. It all led up to a 2019 adoption of a stainless-steel body design, which is also when the name changed to the current Starship. Why Starship's 1st to orbit is even more important than SpaceX thinks...

ExomatrixTV

17th July 2023, 11:40

Unleashing the Power of the Mars Cycler: SpaceX Starship to play a huge part?:

pxSbYk2epmw
If you’ve been watching along here for quite some time, you will know that the team and I have been releasing some deep dive videos that look into the complexity of long duration crewed spaceflight. The primary concerns of course being the health of astronauts aboard these missions. To do all of this stuff right and protect those squishy fragile human bodies on board, it is going to take a lot of equipment. That also means a lot of mass. Well, here we explore Unleashing the Power of the Mars Cycler. Would SpaceX Starship to play a huge part? Almost certainly if SpaceX's dreams of low mass to orbit become reality. What if I told you, that once we get all this up to the required speed for the journey, that was it. A reusable station taking trip after trip, only needing tiny course corrections from time to time? Well, with a nod to Buzz Aldrin, may I present to you the Atomic Powered, Shielded, Spinning Starship Mars Cycler!
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNaaHvSkP2Q)

The Hidden Threat to Our Astronauts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNaaHvSkP2Q)

Artificial Gravity is Critical for Mars Exploration & Beyond (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he2thPRcpQc)

Mars Cycler Architecture utilizing Llow-thrust Propulsion (PDF) (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268555826_A_Mars_Cycler_Architecture_Utilizing_Low-Thrust_Propulsion)

Dennis Chamberland - Departing Earth Forever
(Book Two - Alien Worlds, explores similar topics)

departingearthforever.com (http://departingearthforever.com)

Dorjezigzag

17th July 2023, 18:50

My assessment of the space x starship is that it has primarily been developed to take the Starlink V.2 satellites into orbit. I do not believe this design is optimal for a moon or Mars launch. The Mars story is a great deflection to stop people from asking why these satellites have become so massive if they are only to bring internet to rural locations.

Star wars (SDI program)?

See my thread on this subject
https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?121449-How-Star-Wars-became-Starlink

Starship "is the only thing that can carry the Starlink 2 satellites. Falcon has neither the volume nor the mass-to-orbit capability required for Starlink 2."

During that same interview, Musk explained that the next-gen satellite will measure roughly 23 ft (7 m), weigh roughly 1.25 tons (roughly 2,750 lb), and will be "almost an order of magnitude more capable" than current "Starlink 1" satellites — though he didn't specify whether he was referring to bandwidth or throughput.

Musk also explained that Starlink 2.0 would be roughly four times heavier than V1.5 and just under five times heavier than V1.0.

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/spacex-starship-starlink-dispenser

ExomatrixTV

27th July 2023, 21:14

Elon Musk And Nasa Finally Revealed Plans For New Space Station!

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You've probably heard about SpaceX's intentions to utilize its enormous new Starship spacecraft to send several Starlink satellites or huge telescopes into orbit, land people on the Moon and Mars, transfer equipment or people between points on Earth at a fast rate of speed, or even all of these things. But, wait! SpaceX previews another Starship application. And in today’s episode, we’re going to find out how they'll make this happen?

Hello everyone! Welcome back to Elon Musk Evolution, where we bring you the most recent news about Elon Musk and his multi billion-dollar companies, space news and the latest science and technology.
But, before we begin, make sure you subscribe to our channel and click the bell icon so you don't miss any of our amazing videos.
NASA is on board to provide expertise as the business explores another use for the Starship architecture developed by SpaceX. Though the technology is still in its infancy, NASA is keenly interested in this project because it could turn Starship into a commercial space station, as there are currently no plans for a government-owned research facility in low-Earth orbit after the International Space Station is shut down in 2030.

A new series of agreements with seven private companies, including SpaceX, were revealed by the space agency last month. The Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC) program was created to encourage the private sector's development of cutting-edge goods and services that might be made accessible to clients in five to seven years, including NASA.

This is distinct from the sponsored contracts NASA entered into in 2021 with three business teams led by Nanoracks, Blue Origin, and Northrop Grumman, who are all developing different ideas for a commercial space station. Axiom Space, a different business, has a contract with NASA to create a commercial module that will be attached to the International Space Station with the intention of using it as the focal point of a privately owned complex in low-Earth orbit in the future.

NASA rejected SpaceX's proposal for a sponsored space station development agreement in 2021 due to concerns over, among other things, SpaceX's intentions to scale up its life support system to permit long-duration missions and its single docking port. The new CCSC initiative, which incorporates the Starship space station concept, is not being funded by the space agency, but the government will help the industry with technical know-how, including expert assessments, lessons learned, technologies, and data.

Along with the SpaceX agreement, NASA also announced it will back Blue Origin's effort to create a crew spaceship for orbital trips that would launch on the firm's New Glenn rocket. The organization also supports Northrop Grumman's efforts to create a research platform in low-Earth orbit that will be manned and work in tandem with the company's proposed space station.

The other businesses chosen by NASA for unfunded agreements included: Sierra Space's proposal for a crewed variant of its Dream Chaser spacecraft; Vast's idea for a privately owned space station; ThinkOrbital's plan to develop welding, cutting, inspection, and additive manufacturing technology for construction work in space; and Special Aerospace Services for collaboration on an autonomous maneuvering unit to help, or perhaps even replace, spacewalkers working outside a space station.

ExomatrixTV

31st July 2023, 00:11

SpaceX's Remarkable Full Pressure Test, Starship Sacrificed, & Record Breaking Falcon Heavy Mission:

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We’ve got it all today my friends. SpaceX's Remarkable Full Pressure Test of the water cooled steel plate system, another favorite Starship Sacrificed. 🥺 A Record Breaking Falcon Heavy Mission, testing for the first time on Starbase's Orbital Launch Mount. Falcon 9 action as always with 2 Starlink flights, some neat perspectives from Hubble, and can Amazon's Project Kuiper really compete with Starlink? They sure think so based on the construction plans breaking this week.

Bill Ryan

6th September 2023, 21:57

Elon's simple statement: :muscle:
Starship is ready for launch
Awaiting regulatory approval
The regulatory approval is that of the FAA, who were obliged to look into the events of the previous Starship launch, which created a dramatic tornado of concrete debris all over the launchpad and way beyond. (But all that's been fixed now. It can't and won't happen again, which should be easy for the FAA to understand and agree.)

FAA approval might be hours, days or weeks away. But there's speculation it's going to be pretty soon, a green light being given suddenly and without any warning. Once that happens, the next flight would follow in a few days at most.
:happy dog:

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1644944993499357184
1644944993499357184

ExomatrixTV

14th September 2023, 12:38

Finally Happened! Faa Just Revealed New Starship Launch Date…

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Finally happened! The FAA just revealed a new Starship launch date… There will be no Starship launch this month! Yeah, the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration officially announced on Wednesday that the agency could advance a launch license as early as next month for the SpaceX Starship rocket after a prior one exploded following a test launch in April. "We're working well with them and have been in good discussions. Teams are working together and I think we're optimistic sometime next month," acting FAA Administrator Polly Trottenberg told reporters on the sidelines of a conference. This means SpaceX's Starship can't launch until at least October. The company must obtain a modified FAA license to launch, which entails a sometimes lengthy review of the Starship's flight trajectory, accident probabilities, and other factors affecting nearby public safety. Besides, SpaceX would still need a separate environmental approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before a launch. Trottenberg did not say how long that might take. They’re concerned with the concrete that’s splattered in the surrounding wildlife refuge around Boca Chica from OFT1. After Ship 24 and Booster 7 flight, the Fish and Wildlife Service explained in an email to the media, that the footprint of the blast was vast. Much of the damage was done at the moment of launch when the force of the rocket’s first-stage engines destroyed the launch pad. Finally happened! FAA just revealed new Starship launch date…

ExomatrixTV

21st September 2023, 16:39

Elon Musk Just Officially Announced New Starship Prototype 'Bigger, Longer & Better':

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“Mind-blown”. That's the feeling that Tesla Owners - Silicon Valley collectively had after Elon Musk responded to their tweet: “Starship is the biggest rocket ever built” on September 9. Specifically, Musk responded: “Likely to be 10% to 20% longer in later versions”. Longer! Bigger! Maybe it's still not enough for Elon Musk. He wants a vehicle to carry as many citizens to the Red Kingdom. The above feeling is probably not only of Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, it is also the feeling of many people after Musk's announcement. In the future, we will see Starship versions that are bigger, stronger, and better than current prototypes. So how will Musk's ideas change the Starship system? Let’s find out in today's episode of Alpha Tech. Elon Musk just officially announced NEW Starship prototype 'bigger, longer & better'...

ExomatrixTV

15th October 2023, 22:52

SpaceX Is Launching Starship To Orbit This Month!:

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00:40: SpaceX is preparing for their second attempt at launching the world's most powerful rocket into orbit, with over 1,000 changes made to improve the rocket and launch system.
02:41: SpaceX's Starship launch attempt failed due to issues with the upper stage and Raptor engines.
04:54: During SpaceX's first test run of Starship, the rocket shattered a concrete slab and caused damage, but the launch infrastructure remained intact.
07:28: SpaceX has installed a new suppression system to prevent cratering events in their rocket launches.
10:11: The FAA has approved upgrades and modifications to SpaceX's Starship, indicating a positive outcome for the next launch attempt.
Recap by Tammy AI

ExomatrixTV

28th October 2023, 02:51

SpaceX Starship Launch Imminent! What To Expect?:

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ExomatrixTV

29th October 2023, 15:27

It's Mind-blowing! What SpaceX Just Did In Florida Shocked Nasa...Never Seen Before!

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It's mind-blowing! What SpaceX just did in Florida shocked NASA...Never seen before! SpaceX has shocked the entire rocket industry with everything at Starbase, from its rapid pace of building, testing, fixing, upgrading, and expanding. And while everyone is glued awaiting Starship 25/Booster 9 and the FAA's response, does anyone take notice? Right in the heart of NASA, SpaceX is also creating something so terrible that it overwhelms all competitors, even Nasa is mind-blowing. Stay tuned as we dive and more in this episode of Alpha Tech! Starbase is the world's first true spaceport located in South Texas. It is home to SpaceX's next-generation Starship rocket factory and launch pads and is known as the "Gateway to Mars" among the space community. This location will serve as the launch site for dozens, if not hundreds, of Starship flights every month. The scale of the facility at Starbase is unparalleled, exceeding the capabilities of any other rocket company. Even NASA, the largest government-run space agency in the United States, cannot match the complexity of the launch infrastructure in Texas. In April, Starbase witnessed the launch of the world's largest and most powerful rocket. Moreover, the site is currently preparing for the second Starship launch, scheduled for October. Mass prototype production and ongoing tests are continuously conducted in preparation for this upcoming launch. It's mind-blowing! What SpaceX just did in Florida shocked NASA ... Never seen before!

Did Elon Musk watch this Epic SF Movie "Gattaga (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/reference/)" from 1997 (made 26 years ago):

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cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

ExomatrixTV

31st October 2023, 19:03

Launch Date Revealed! Will SpaceX Starship Launch In November?:

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Delays on second launch. It seems that SpaceX has used the time between launches well. All the redesign, tests and stacking improvements will make that system much more reliable and robust. Hope all the changes and tests lead to a flawless second launch. Fingers crossed for an early November successful lift-off.

ExomatrixTV

4th November 2023, 12:33

Yes! The Official Starship Flight Timeline Reveal, And FAA Approves Safety!:

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ExomatrixTV

4th November 2023, 13:10

SpaceX's Starship Is Ready! How Has It Improved?:

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ExomatrixTV

5th November 2023, 16:44

It's Mind-blowing! What SpaceX Just Did With Starship's Welding & Nosecone Shocked The Entire Industry:

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ExomatrixTV

10th November 2023, 16:11

It's Launch Time! SpaceX Starship Is Ready Including FTS!:

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SpaceX’s Starship launch as soon as next week? New Starship lunar lander leaked! We show it clearer! Lucy's story faces a plot twist, and Blue Origin is presenting their lunar lander!

Bill Ryan

11th November 2023, 20:23

SpaceX’s Starship launch as soon as next week?The earliest date is Friday 17 November. But yes, the FTS (Flight Termination System) — which is a bunch of high-tech explosives on the side of the ship, primed to activate in case of a loss-of-control situation — has indeed been installed. That never happens unless a flight is fairly imminent.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1723158118706839819
1723158118706839819

ExomatrixTV

13th November 2023, 16:57

Why SpaceX Starship launch was delayed | Elon Musk and Lex Fridman:

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:facepalm:

ExomatrixTV

15th November 2023, 15:55

Musk Confirms License: Starship To Launch Friday, November 17th, 2023! :highfive::clapping:

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SpaceX Starship first official launch date revealed. Starbase orbital flyover! Third Starship launch details, Crew Access Arm mounted at SLC-40, a Seal enduring sonic booms for the NOAA, and our WAI 3.0 release!

ExomatrixTV

16th November 2023, 14:09

Finally happened! FAA and FWS just approved SpaceX Starship OFT-2 this week!:

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Bill Ryan

17th November 2023, 00:52

From Elon:

We need to replace a grid fin actuator, so launch is postponed to Saturday
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1725231694645461403
1725231694645461403

Bill Ryan

17th November 2023, 20:18

From Elon:
We need to replace a grid fin actuator, so launch is postponed to Saturday.
More confirmation: :thumbsup:

https://spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-2
The second flight test of a fully integrated Starship is set to launch Saturday, November 18. A twenty-minute launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT.

A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 35 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. (https://twitter.com/SpaceX) As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our X account for updates.

Bill Ryan

18th November 2023, 12:52

And indeed, the launch today is so far a GO. :muscle: The countdown right this moment has just passed T minus 0:08:00 (now under 8 minutes to launch).

There are multiple livestreams to watch this on, but my personal choice (mainly because of MaryLiz Chylinski, who is a superstar commentator, one of the happiest and most fun anywhere, on any topic, on the net :heart:) is this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6na40SqzYnU

Bill Ryan

18th November 2023, 13:32

Launch report: :muscle:

Launch was perfect. All 33 Raptor engines ignited and none of them shut down. This time, the launch pad was NOT destroyed. :)
Stage separation was 100% successful, the main objective of the flight test.
Soon after that, the Booster (now detached from the second stage Starship) self-destructed, reasons unknown.
The Starship continued on its planned trajectory, all seemingly 100% nominal.
Then the Starshio self-destructed, reasons also currently unknown.

All very spectacular, fantastic camera footage, definitely a valuable, successful test. More interesting info to follow. :thumbsup:

Bill Ryan

18th November 2023, 16:56

An excellent video, starting from a few seconds before launch. (The launch itself is spectacular, the only word to use. :)) Mainstream media is all talking about how the ships (Starship + Booster) both self-destructed a few minutes into flight, but as usual they focus on the apparent 'bad news' (which it wasn't!) and entirely miss the point. :facepalm:

No launch pad damage. The water deluge system worked even under full lift-off thrust, and that was critically important.
Look at the little schematic of the 33 engines at the bottom right of the video. They all ignite, and they all stay lit.
The problem with the Booster after the successful stage separation (also a key part of the test) was that after throttling down to just the central 3 engines, with the others all shut down, they didn't all ignite again. (RE-igniting a shut-down rocket engine in flight is always tricky.) You can see that clearly from the lower left engine schematic about 3 mins into the video.
It's unknown yet (as best I know) why the Starship itself self-destructed soon after the successful separation. Its engines were all working fine, and it was perfectly on course.

The FTS (Flight Termination System) is all fully computer-automated, so no human pressed any big red 'Explode the ship!' button. :)
The FTS would have been programmed to activate if there were certain specified deviations from normal parameters, and the fight telemetry will soon reveal what those were (and re the second-stage Starship, which looked perfectly okay, they might actually have been minor issues). SpaceX would have set those parameters to have been very sensitive, especially to satisfy the FAA (important!) and avoid any disaster like the thing falling to Earth in (e.g.) South Africa, theoretically possible but highly unlikely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-ZwElJpTTs

Bill Ryan

18th November 2023, 21:00

Mainstream media is all talking about how the ships (Starship + Booster) both self-destructed a few minutes into flight, but as usual they focus on the apparent 'bad news' (which it wasn't!) and entirely miss the point. :facepalm:I thought I'd collect a few mainstream media headlines. Not all were like this (some did celebrate the highly significant successes of the launch), but it's quite an interesting insight — if any were needed! — into how the media operates.

Look at all this:

SpaceX Starship rocket lost in second test flight
SpaceX Starship launch failed minutes after reaching space
SpaceX's Starship fails in second test flight
SpaceX Starship Fails in Space Shortly After Liftoff
SpaceX Starship test flight fails minutes after launch
SpaceX's Starship Lost Shortly After Launch
SpaceX Starship launch ends with explosion
SpaceX Starship test flight loses spacecraft 8 minutes into flight

What we see here is a perfect example of articles being written by people who know nothing of the issue they're reporting. We see this with Russia/Ukraine, with Israel/Hamas, with China/Taiwan, the Nord Stream pipeline, BRICS, global finance, climate change, electric cars, green energy, and much much much MUCH else.

We're misinformed ALL the time. Often, it's deliberate manipulation. But sometimes it's simply because journalists just know nothing about the topic and are racing to get some kind of story out, ideally with some kind of sensational or entertaining 'hook'. If one knows exactly what the real story is, it's quite an interesting object lesson.

:)

ExomatrixTV

19th November 2023, 00:47

The Sights and SOUNDS of SpaceX Starship!

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FAA just declared this after Starship's 2nd launch LOST & EXPLODED

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Bill Ryan

19th November 2023, 07:34

FAA just declared this after Starship's 2nd launch LOST & EXPLODED
No cause for alarm. :) It's just regular protocol. The FAA takes a good look and writes a report even after something like a small plane crash — that's their job.

Here, everything was under total control, and zero damage was done to anyone or anything. The Flight Termination System did exactly what it was designed to do, (a) very high up and (b) well over the ocean. The FAA will be very satisfied how well it was all handled, and there'll be no holdups before the next launch.

ExomatrixTV

20th November 2023, 16:03

SpaceX & Elon Musk Inspected The Water Deluge System And Stage 0! Starship Ift-3 Ready Next Month!

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This is an amazing feat of engineering!

I was sure they would have to relocate the launch pad, but they pulled it off with the cooling system!

The next day, SpaceX and Elon Musk checked the Water deluge system and the pad.

''The Starship launch pad is in excellent shape!

The water-cooled steel plate doesn't need any refurbishment for the next launch.

Well done to @Spacex team & contractors for designing & building such a durable system so quickly!''

Elon tweeted on X.

Honestly, this is the most important upgrade, which the Fish and Wildlife officials focused their attention on. After the first launch, the agency’s biologists were reportedly in disbelief that SpaceX, at the time, lacked flame suppression technology like this for Starship—an industry and space agency standard. Such systems are designed to dissipate some of the heat and noise generated by a rocket. SpaceX’s new system involves flooding 358,000 gallons of water from ground tanks into steel plates and releasing them through holes in the plating, as the Fish and Wildlife assessment describes it. In April, Musk characterized it as a “massive super strong steel shower head pointing up.”

Assessments of this second test flight will show whether SpaceX’s new system is effective at reducing debris and pollution. What’s clear is that not having such a system won’t work. “Steel is a ductile material rather than a brittle one, and it can’t fracture like concrete did” on the first launch, says Phil Metzger, a planetary scientist at the University of Central Florida who studies space economics.

"What we found was that it's comparable to a volcanic explosion. The pressure that was built up under the pad was equal to a volcano and the amount of gas mixed with the rocky material was comparable to a volcano."

"I think they've completely solved the problem. We should not have a repeat of the volcanic eruption under a launchpad again." Metzger said after the launch.

With all the benefits that the Water deluge system brings, Elon Musk declared that ''Starship Flight 3 hardware should be ready to fly in 3 to 4 weeks. There are three ships in final production in the high bay (as can be seen from the highway).''

Indeed, SpaceX has a robust prototype program for Starship and we may see booster 10 and ship 28 next in line at the OLM soon for the next launch!

‘’SpaceX engineering, manufacturing & launch teams did amazing work,’’ Musk expressed gratitude to his team.

SpaceX engineers now have the task ahead to understand why the Starship vehicle detonated itself using its flight termination system just before completing its launch burn. The company has said it will also study Super Heavy's explosion so future iterations of the vehicle can be returned to Earth for reuse, as it and Starship are designed to do.

ExomatrixTV

21st November 2023, 00:16

[4K Slow-mo] Starship IFT-2 Supercut With Clean Audio And Tracking!:

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[HEADPHONES ON!] Enjoy this incredible audio and video from the launch pad and various locations for the most powerful rocket to ever fly, SpaceX's Starship for its second integrated flight test! 4K slow motion captured on ZCam's and BlackMagic 12K Ursa, RED Komodox and G2 4.6K with SIGMA lenses and Meade Telescopes.

SpaceX's second launch of the largest and most powerful rocket ever took place on November 18th, 2023, from Starbase, TX. Both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage were terminated by automatic flight termination systems prior to mission completion.

That being said, the test was largely considered a success as many new milestones were reached, including a full clean first stage burn, hot-staging, the launch pad's upgrades held up, and second stage was able to mostly complete its burn.

ExomatrixTV

23rd November 2023, 14:00

SpaceX's Second Starship: IFT2 Explained In Detail!:

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How did Starship's second orbital flight go? What went wrong on IFT2? What is the current state of the SpaceX launch site? Did the Starship deflector survive, and was this even a success?

ExomatrixTV

27th November 2023, 20:20

What Does Starship Launch Success Mean for SpaceX Now?:

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It happened! Starship and SuperHeavy Did Launch for the second time. All 33 raptors were working!! Hot staging went as planned. But then both the Booster 9 and Ship 25 were lost. What exactly went wrong and what does it mean for the future of Starship? Finding out with Scott Manley and Marcus House.

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:02 Before IFT-2
00:08:35 The Launch
00:14:19 Hot Staging
00:16:20 What went wrong with SuperHeavy
00:25:00 What went wrong with Starship
00:32:00 What's next?
00:45:58 What it means for Artemis
01:03:00 Final thoughts

ExomatrixTV

27th November 2023, 20:24

Spacex Starship To Launch Again When!? This Is Nuts!:

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SpaceX just rocked the world with the ground breaking second integrated flight test a week ago, but since then, an absolute mountain of great information has been thrown out pretty much daily. SpaceX Starship to Launch again when!? Musk has his optimistic timelines when the hardware for flight 3 will be ready, but how true could that be? You might be surprised, because this is nuts!

ExomatrixTV

28th November 2023, 04:42

Elon Musk officially revealed Starship V2 powered by upgrade Raptor 3.0!:

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Elon Musk officially revealed Starship V2 powered by upgrade Raptor 3.0! Elon Musk's level of ambition is truly unmatched! His company - SpaceX, has just completed the second orbital flight of Starship, creating a milestone that no rocket has matched or even only existed in the dreams of competitors. But as those companies have yet to figure out how to surpass that feat, this CEO once again shakes the entire rocket industry by revealing the latest version of Starship, simply another powerful monster version! So, what does the next-generation Starship look like? What advantages will the new changes bring to SpaceX?

ExomatrixTV

30th November 2023, 13:19

Starship Evolution: Why SpaceX is Shifting To V2 Starship Now!:

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Starship evolution history! V2 Starships announced by Musk! What will be different? Huge Ariane 6 milestone, and China wants its own Starlink!

ExomatrixTV

1st December 2023, 20:42

SpaceX Starship Countdown To IFT3 - Massive Launch Site Upgrade!:

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Will SpaceX's Lunar Starship Be Ready For Artemis III?:

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ExomatrixTV

3rd December 2023, 18:14

SpaceX's Starship Version 2 to take Center Stage! Lets do this!

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Welcome to an electrifying journey through the week of space awesomeness! If you want to see where all that attention is being spent to prepare for the next Starship flight, this is certainly the place to be. Elon announced SpaceX's Starship Version 2 to take Center Stage! Lets hope the design includes tiles that stick on better, because that needs to stop. New Glenn seen in the wild, finally, but is it just a test tank? Or a real flight article? Now wait… is that what we think it is? And.. What is going on here? Those my friends are great questions so let's do this!

SpaceX Is Building The First Ever Gateway To Mars!

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This week at Starbase the launch site receives a new sign and several new cryo tanks, Starship, Superheavy, Mega Bay and Starfactory construction continues at the build site, and construction continues at Sanchez and Massey's, while over at Cape Canaveral, what looks like new hardware for Blue Origin is shipped in, teams practice Dragon capsule recovery operations, Doug returns from drydock, and Starlink launch and recovery operations continue rolling forward.

Elon Musk ANNOUNCED SpaceX Starship Gigafactory finally here…:

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00:06 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=6s) SpaceX achieved two Starship flights in 2023, signaling an acceleration in test launches to meet escalating launch needs.
00:35 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=35s) SpaceX is expanding its production facilities with the Star Factory, a crucial element for continual readiness in many new upcoming Starship projects.
01:28 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=88s) Starship enters a new stage with significant workload, preparing for important missions like the Artemis III Moon Project in 2025-2027.
02:09 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=129s) To ensure safety and reliability, SpaceX plans multiple Starship test flights, expecting advantages in government agency interactions.
03:19 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=199s) SpaceX faces a challenge with a high test launch demand and limited prototypes, pushing the need for Starship Version 2 production.
04:30 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=270s) Inspired by Tesla's gigafactory, SpaceX's Star Factory introduces modern production, aiming to create a very large Starship fleet for Mars colonization.
05:49 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=349s) Star Factory advantages include continuous production, weather resilience, and automation, addressing limitations of the old tent-based system.
06:58 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=418s) Star Factory, still under construction, will be up to 60,000 square meters, leveraging technology from Tesla to enhance efficiency and reduce manual steps.
08:06 (https://youtu.be/YmCZ-CH4U7k?t=486s) SpaceX's ambition is to build the largest rocket fleet in history with the Star Factory, potentially achieving a Starship launch every day.

ExomatrixTV

10th December 2023, 01:45

SpaceX Finally Dropped the Big Starship Reveal!:

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00:29 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=29s) SpaceX has been making significant progress in the past three weeks since the Integrated Flight Test mission, with focus on the orbital launch mount and booster engineering.
01:52 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=112s) SpaceX is expanding its propellant offloading infrastructure at the launch site by removing a building and creating more offloading points for tanks, with five new tanks already in place.
03:15 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=195s) The "GATEWAY TO MARS" sign was completed, indicating increased activity at the launch site. A new hot staging system, suggested by the appearance of a new hotstaging ring, indicates positive results from the previous Integrated Flight Test.
04:36 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=276s) SpaceX introduced newly designed booster transport stands, streamlining the process of moving boosters from the Megabay to the orbital launch mount, showcasing enhanced hold down mechanisms.
06:26 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=386s) Onboard footage from Booster 10's flight provided exciting views, confirming it as the next flight candidate along with Ship 28. Ship 26, located in the Rocket Garden, seems destined for removal and potential scrapping.
07:43 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=463s) A new barrel with a dense tile pin pattern in the Ringyard suggests advancements in Starship heat shield technology, possibly using smaller tiles for increased reliability.
11:48 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=708s) SpaceX achieved its 250th successful landing, demonstrating the success and reliability of the Falcon 9's reusable technology. The launch rate at Vandenberg is expected to increase significantly, reaching up to 100 launches a year by 2025.
14:58 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=898s) An unexpected update on ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission reveals that the orbiter, still functional after lunar objectives, returned to Earth's orbit to study Earth as an exoplanet with the SHAPE payload.
17:43 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=1063s) Hubble Space Telescope is facing operational challenges due to gyro issues, and there is a proposal to use SpaceX's Crew Dragon to reboost or potentially repair Hubble, emphasizing the importance of addressing the telescope's current limitations.
19:05 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=1145s) Australia is actively involved in space exploration, with the development of a lunar rover named "Roo-ver" for a NASA mission in 2026, aiming to collect lunar regolith for oxygen extraction.
20:03 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=1203s) The Falcon 9 425 Project mission carried the Australian satellite SpIRIT, developed in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency. SpIRIT's primary goal is to study gamma rays and x-rays in space alongside the HERMES constellation satellites.
20:29 (https://youtu.be/28youVDbK1s?t=1229s) Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first female Australian astronaut in training, is undergoing certification with the European Space Agency. Expected to complete training by April next year, she aims to qualify for missions to the International Space Station.

ExomatrixTV

12th December 2023, 18:29

The SpaceX Military Starship Is Real! How's This Going To End?

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00:00 SpaceX released an official Starship flight recap, featuring impressive shots and behind-the-scenes footage of the second orbital stack launch.
01:50 Booster 10 and Ship 28 are gearing up for the next Starship launch. Booster 10 is already at the launch site, and Ship 28 is in the testing phase, with a potential rollout before the end of the year.
03:15 Upgrades to the orbital tank farm at Starbase are in progress, with crews working on the oxygen and methane sides. The purpose of a second tank farm or water tower remains unclear.
05:21 Significant progress is observed at Starbase, including the installation of glass panels at the Mega Bay, expansion of the residential area, and preparation for a new launch tower.
08:57 SpaceX's Rocket Cargo program aims to use Starship for global military cargo and humanitarian aid transport. The Air Force plans to test Starship's upper stage in 2025 for cargo loading and unloading capabilities.
10:33 Should Starship be used for military purposes? The Rocket Cargo program could become a significant revenue stream for SpaceX, attracting interest from government agencies.
13:47 Relativity Space discontinues Teran 1 rocket and focuses on Teran R, a heavy-lift partially reusable vehicle capable of competing with SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Blue Origin's New Glenn.
16:36 Relativity Space's progress on the Teran R rocket is remarkable, with successful testing of components and the A&R engine. The company aims for a full engine test soon.
18:38 ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully returns its Orbiter to Earth's orbit after a lunar touchdown. The mission is considered a success despite the Lander and Rover batteries depleting.
19:34 NASA's Osiris Rex successfully returns samples from asteroid Bennu, despite a glitch in the landing sequence. The redundancy in the mission's design ensures the safety of the collected samples.

ExomatrixTV

15th December 2023, 18:53

SpaceX Confirms Possible Third Starship Launch Window!:

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03:45 SpaceX is obtaining launch licenses for the third and fourth Starship launches, focusing on Human Landing System technologies for NASA. Launch window estimated for the first quarter of 2024.
05:07 SpaceX's development speed with Starship could lead to exponential growth, with a potential trajectory of increasing launches each year.
08:17 SpaceX is confirmed to be developing a second launch tower at Starbase to overcome potential logistical bottlenecks. The exact location remains uncertain.
09:38 Speculation suggests SpaceX may relocate engine testing from Boca Chica Beach to Massey's, potentially impacting the construction of the second launch tower.
12:24 Jared Isaacman, known for Inspiration4, introduces the Polaris Program for private space exploration. Polaris Dawn mission aims for the highest Earth orbit, commercial EVA, and testing laser interlink communication with Starlink.
16:56 The SpaceX Hubble Servicing Mission is under consideration, with Polaris II potentially tasked with the mission. Challenges include docking with Hubble and performing an EVA.
20:44 SpaceX, sponsored by Jared Isaacman's Polaris Program, may undertake a rescue mission for the Hubble Space Telescope, potentially extending its operational life.

ExomatrixTV

1st January 2024, 20:33

SpaceX's Next Starship and Superheavy are READY for Flight 3!:

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SpaceX's Starbase has been a frenzy of static fires over the past 2 weeks, with a total of 40 (!!) Raptor roars in total - 7 engine fires on Ship 28, and 33 engines on Superheavy Booster 10. SpaceX also put Falcon to work, with 4 Falcon 9 launches (and 1 Falcon 9 accidental destruction) and 1 Falcon Heavy, and China launched 5 rockets too! Blue Origin made a spectacular return to flight with New Shepard NS-24, Firefly Aerospace suffered a partial launch failure with Firefly Alpha, and much, much more! Enjoy, and have a great 2024!

ExomatrixTV

13th January 2024, 17:02

Elon Musk SpaceX & Starship Presentation!:

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00:00 Elon Musk praises SpaceX team for incredible achievements, highlighting the record number of launches in a year.
00:54 Falcon Heavy surpasses Saturn 5 record, achieving 96 launches in a single year.
02:32 Reusability emphasized as essential for the future of space travel, with 260 successful landings in 8 years.
03:27 Civilization's key challenge: transitioning from a single to a multi-planet species; Mars self-sustainability crucial.
05:30 No evidence of aliens; Musk emphasizes the fragility of civilization and the importance of ensuring humanity's survival.
06:39 SpaceX achieves 193 flights in 2023, aiming for up to 150 flights in the current year.
07:34 SpaceX operates a small Navy, achieving a 3-day pad turnaround and targeting under 24 hours.
08:30 SpaceX dominates master orbit launches, reaching 80% of all master to orbit in 2023, with plans for further increase.
11:47 Dragon's success highlighted, exceeding the space shuttle's cumulative time on orbit, completing 42 human missions.
15:05 Starlink's transformative impact on global internet accessibility, introducing V2 mini satellites and reducing latency below 20 milliseconds.
17:51 Starlink uses low-cost argon thrusters, launches Aon whole thrusters, and achieves significant data transfer via in-space lasers.
19:15 Elon Musk aims to get Starlink approval in most countries, targeting service for over half of the world's population.
19:41 Starlink is designed for low population density areas, not competitive in high-density cities. Works well with other internet providers.
20:23 Starlink mini, a portable version, will be introduced. New hardware version four of the user terminal shipped. Starlink factory opened in Texas.
21:04 Successful launch of direct-to-satellite communication, allowing sending text messages from a phone to a satellite.
22:30 Starlink's focus is on supplementing, not competing with phone companies, aiding remote areas and providing connectivity in emergencies.
23:13 Elon Musk reflects on the incredible achievement of Starship's development and launches.
24:23 Starship's thrust, upgrades between flights, launch pad improvements, and plans for multiple launches per day discussed.
26:31 Upgrades between Flight 1 and 2, including electric engines, heat shield, and various improvements, showcased.
28:26 SpaceX aims for life to become multiplanetary and outlines plans for accelerated production and testing.
29:34 Starship's development plan includes version two and version three designs, each with increased reliability and performance.
30:47 SpaceX plans to demonstrate on-orbit refilling, a key technology for the Artemis program and future Moon and Mars exploration.
32:42 SpaceX committed to exceeding NASA's requirements for the Artemis program, aiming to establish a permanently occupied moon base.
33:22 Long-term goal: Transform Mars into an earthlike planet with a flourishing civilization, showcased with Starships coming and going in a beautiful Mars City.

ExomatrixTV

16th January 2024, 20:52

Is SpaceX Serious? They're Making Starship Even Bigger!

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Elon Musk (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?116696-Elon-Musk-says-he-will-Solve-World-Hunger-if-the-UN-can-show-how-the-money-is-spent) shares details of the second Starship launch! We know what went wrong! New details regarding the third launch! How will it differ from the previous ones? Starship V3 Details! Blue Origin rolls out the first New Glenn! Is this flight hardware? And China launches a rocket made up entirely of solid fuel motors! Can this even work?

02:58 SpaceX's Starship design and structural integrity are confirmed after the explosion of Ship 25; adjustments in procedures are expected to ensure success for Ship 28's orbital attempt.
03:24 Integrated Flight Test Number Three for Starship is confirmed to go fully orbital, including a deorbit burn after completing its mission; Starlink deployment is not expected during this launch.
03:52 Propellant transfer tests between Starship's header tank and main tank are planned; ship-to-ship propellant transfer is delayed until at least late 2024 or 2025 due to launch constraints.
04:20 SpaceX is upgrading the orbital tank farm at Starbase, involving the removal of ground support equipment and the installation of a new pressurization system; a water tank and vaporizers are part of the upgrade.
05:55 SpaceX is constructing a second launch tower at Starbase to improve launch frequency and flexibility, with plans for two orbital launch integration towers near each other.
08:11 SpaceX is developing V2 Starships for faster assembly, potentially featuring new dome types, a redesigned payload bay door, and other modifications; V3 Starship, in design phase, is expected to be taller.
09:17 SpaceX is expanding its Starship Factory to increase production speed, aiming for a new ship every 72 hours; the dismantling of the last production tent suggests efficient progress.
10:43 The completion date of SpaceX's Starship Factory at Starbase is uncertain, possibly a few months away or extending into 2025; the factory expansion progress is evident in recent aerial photos.
13:29 SpaceX aims to certify Falcon 9 for an astounding 40 flights, exceeding 100 launches for some boosters; fairing reuse alone has saved over $1.8 billion for SpaceX.
14:25 SpaceX targets around 150 launches in 2024, with a goal of achieving a 24-hour pad turnaround by year's end; Starlink gains over a million new subscribers in a year.
15:39 SpaceX's Dragon missions in 2024 include seven or eight launches, with the historic Polaris Dawn flight featuring the first-ever spacewalk by a private company.
18:28 Blue Origin's new rocket, New Glenn (https://www.blueorigin.com/new-glenn), inches closer to its maiden flight, with components observed at launch complex 36; NASA selects New Glenn for the Escapade Mission to study Mars's magnetosphere.
19:37 China's Gravity 1, a medium lift rocket entirely powered by solid rocket motors, successfully launches three weather satellites on its debut, showcasing a unique design with potential cost advantages.

Bill Ryan

16th January 2024, 21:29

ExomatrixTV

16th January 2024, 21:34

13:29 SpaceX aims to certify Falcon 9 for an astounding 4T flights, exceeding 100 launches for some boosters; fairing reuse alone has saved over $1.8 billion for SpaceX.The AI screwed up again. It's not '4T', it's 40.

:ROFL:

:focus:

Sure ... it is almost human ... to make mistakes too :) ... if you compare correctness ratio it is indeed a factor of appreciation or not.

A.I. (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?102409-A.I.-is-Progressing-Faster-Than-You-Think-) "speech to text" (speech recognition hardware & software) generators are KNOWN to make some errors, but slowly get much better at it.

I studied A.I. (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?102409-A.I.-is-Progressing-Faster-Than-You-Think-) "speech to text" generators developments since 1989 onward (35 years ago!) when Super Channel (https://broadwcast.org/index.php/Super_Channel) had a special report on that topic discussing how in Sweden self-correcting "neural networks" work, they told the "accuracy" at the time was around 75% up to 80% "hoping" it will become much better at it ... which it eventually did!

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

ExomatrixTV

16th January 2024, 21:56

Musk reveals MASSIVE UPGRADES on SpaceX Dragon Polaris with NEW high-tech spacesuit...

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"We've got this year our first Space Walk," - Elon Musk just announced that in his latest speech. This project is part of a collaboration program called Polaris, it will not only give us the opportunity to admire classic moments in space but also the first appearance of the highly anticipated futuristic EVA spacesuit made by SpaceX itself. In this episode of Alpha Tech, let's delve deeper into the insane updates in both the mission and the spacesuit as revealed by Elon Musk, before this mission unfolds!

https://www.baymro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SpaceX-1536x864.jpg
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ExomatrixTV

27th January 2024, 02:10

Unveiling SpaceX's Bold Starship Expansion: Full Breakdown!:

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SpaceX second tower construction is starting! What will it look like? Will we see two fully stacked Starships at the same time soon? Stoke Space hits another massive achievement! China is copying SpaceX! And Ingenuity loses contact with Perseverance. Can it be saved?

00:29 SpaceX is preparing to build the second launch tower at Starbase, potentially aiming for a Valentine's Day orbital flight attempt with Starship.
01:24 SpaceX is quietly moving forward with paperwork for a modified launch license and has reinforced tanks at Starbase, possibly hinting at future expansions.
02:46 Components for the second Starbase tower are being prepared, with parts arriving and construction set to begin soon.
05:03 Construction of the new tower at Starbase will involve stabilizing the ground with wick drains and piles before foundation work begins.
06:02 The construction of the second tower's foundations will incorporate lessons learned from the first, including a water deluge system and reinforced concrete.
07:52 After assembly, the second tower will have infrastructure like piping added, and components like pulleys and the quick disconnect arm installed.
08:21 Components for the Mechazilla crane are ready for installation at Starbase, including shorter chopsticks than the first tower.
09:42 Construction of the second tower may take a while, with completion not expected for at least several months, possibly into 2024.
12:25 Stoke Space is innovating with its Nova rocket, featuring unique engine configurations and a self-regulating active cooling system.
15:03 China's Landspace is advancing rapidly with its Zhuque rockets, aiming to become competitive in the global launch market.
18:14 Ingenuity helicopter, after nearly three years on Mars, faced communication issues with the Perseverance rover, prompting concerns about its future.
18:43 Ingenuity helicopter faced technical issues during its 71st flight and lost communication with the Perseverance rover during its 72nd flight.
19:07 Communication loss with Ingenuity was due to it moving out of Perseverance's line of sight, but it safely aborted the flight and landed autonomously.
19:36 Communication with Ingenuity was restored by January 20th, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will conduct diagnostics before continuing flight tests.
20:03 Despite facing challenges, Ingenuity has surpassed expectations, covering over 17 kilometers on Mars, but it has taken its last flight due to damage to one of its rotor blades.

ExomatrixTV

31st January 2024, 08:24

SpaceX Is Building The All Seeing Starship Eye!:

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SpaceX’s Starship as a space telescope! Is this a good idea? What’s the future of Starship? The third orbital Starship is almost ready! Why was it moved? The Martian helicopter encounters a massive issue. Can it be saved? And the mystery of the Japanese lander is solved! Did it really land upside down?

00:00 SpaceX's Starship is undergoing rapid development at Starbase, with Booster 10 and Ship 28 nearing readiness for their respective flights.
02:23 Starbase introduces a new fabric-based Mega Bay door for prototype protection, potentially enhancing construction efficiency.
03:51 Starbase plans a massive 6-tier parking garage for its workers to alleviate chaotic parking situations.
05:44 Starship could serve as a satellite transporter, deploying smaller satellites efficiently, and may host large telescopes like LUVOIR in its payload bay.
08:31 Companies like Gravitics and VAST are planning commercial space stations utilizing Starship modules.
09:48 Ideas like repurposing Starships as lunar habitats or experimenting with artificial gravity remain technically feasible but uncertain.
12:59 Ingenuity's Mars mission ends due to rotor damage, but its achievements in Martian flight are groundbreaking.
17:31 The Japanese SLIM lander experiences engine failure but successfully deploys payloads on the lunar surface, showcasing remarkable engineering despite challenges.

ExomatrixTV

31st January 2024, 08:31

SpaceX Crew Dragon to the Moon instead of NASA's "Gigantic" Rocket:

6cZD44GCoOs

00:00 NASA's SLS and Orion face delays and cost overruns, hindering lunar exploration.
02:23 SpaceX's Crew Dragon, costing $3 billion, showcases the efficiency of commercial space endeavors.
03:33 Crew Dragon offers more space and lower cost compared to Orion.
05:09 Crew Dragon with Falcon Heavy is a cost-effective alternative to SLS and Orion.
07:16 NASA's reliance on SLS may stem from funding dynamics rather than optimal space exploration.

ExomatrixTV

7th February 2024, 11:24

It's mind-blowing! What inside the SpaceX Dragon shocked NASA's astronauts...

WniZaGsFnR0
SpaceX's Crew Dragon - the game-changer in the Russian-American space race wowed the world as it has flown more astronauts than anyone since its debut! Not only that, what's inside the Dragon capsule shocked NASA's astronauts more than any other vehicle! Let’s find out in today’s episode of Alpha Tech! How did SpaceX design the Dragon capsule? Why is it better than Soyuz and Starliner? And why did all the astronauts prefer Dragon? Until now, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft proudly stands as the sole American capsule capable of carrying astronauts to orbit. It plays a crucial role for NASA in research and maintenance endeavors aboard the International Space Station. Dragon has successfully launched a total of 42 astronauts to the ISS, including 28 NASA astronauts and others on private missions. It recently completed its 11th crewed mission since the inaugural crewed launch in May 2020. Not only does it develop with overwhelming statistics that no one else can match, but SpaceX's Dragon also demonstrates comfort and reliability that makes many astronauts exclaim with joy.

ExomatrixTV

9th February 2024, 14:26

It's real! NASA Axiom's First Commercial Space Station Segment Is Almost Done!:

DEwFkmqAbI4
A new abode for humanity in space is on the horizon. Axiom Space has revealed that it is nearing completion of the production stages for the inaugural space station module. This marks a significant step forward in the endeavor to succeed the iconic International Space Station (ISS) and heralds the onset of the commercial space station era. How is this space station project advancing? Can it effectively fill the shoes of the ISS? What hurdles does this space station anticipate? And why is it of paramount importance for NASA? Join us as we delve into these questions on today's episode of Great SpaceX.

ExomatrixTV

10th February 2024, 12:20

It's Mind-blowing! Elon Musk Leaked SpaceX's New King Rockets "Bigger & Better":

EhhJLGxiVfY
Where are SpaceX's limits? Well, this is a question that even the company's founder, Elon Musk, I guess, won't be able to answer. Because he and SpaceX always create breakthroughs time and time again that make rocket enthusiasts like us overwhelmed. From the Falcon rocket line to the world's largest and most powerful rocket Starship, from exclusive reuse methods to operational approaches that we've only seen in science fiction movies. So, what's next?

ExomatrixTV

12th February 2024, 19:49

Government DOD Takeover Of SpaceX Starship?

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U.S. government's Department Of Defence take over of Elon Musk SpaceX Starship.

ExomatrixTV

18th February 2024, 16:57

New Starship:

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ExomatrixTV

22nd February 2024, 14:17

How is SpaceX Starship Revolutionizing Our World!? The Epic Future Awaits!:

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Elon Musk's recent presentation at Starbase Texas, was I think a little more interesting than some may have given it credit for. In its raw form, perhaps these can come off as a little dry. Well, surprise, because my good friend Adam editing along here with us on the channel just couldn’t wait to present this in a way that absolutely blew my mind. How is SpaceX Starship Revolutionizing Our World!? The Epic Future Awaits! I would have put it all up earlier but there has just been so much going on, I wanted to make sure we picked the right time. Well, that is now, and I am really wanting to hear what you think of this. Because to me, as we dream of the near future to come, this is an amazing example of why I, no we love this story so much. As we patiently await the upcoming integrated flight test three you can’t help but feel that anticipation growing. I cannot wait. Anyway, sit back, pop the headset on, and enjoy.

ExomatrixTV

28th February 2024, 11:15

Elon Musk just confirmed SpaceX Dragon READY to launch NASA and Russia's special cosmonauts:

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Elon Musk just confirmed SpaceX Dragon READY to launch NASA and Russia's special cosmonauts We are counting down to SpaceX's first crewed mission of the year. After years of dominance, so far SpaceX is about to face new competitors. It's a moment when this first mission of 2024 will showcase its influence, and that's what we'll be discussing in today's episode of Alpha Tech: Crew 8 Mission.

ExomatrixTV

29th February 2024, 00:07

Liftoff is targeted at 11:16 p.m. EST (0416 UTC), Saturday, March 2, 2024.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 Launch (Official NASA Broadcast in 4K):

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Watch live with us as a crew of four launch on NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted at 12:04 a.m. EST (0504 UTC), Friday, March 1.

The crew will lift off in their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, powered by a Falcon 9 rocket, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Members include:
• NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, commander
• NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, pilot
• NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps, mission specialist
• Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebenkin, mission specialist

Visit our Crew-8 blog for the latest mission news: blogs.nasa.gov/crew-8 (https://blogs.nasa.gov/crew-8)

Over 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations will take place during Crew-8's mission of approximately six months in space. Experiments will include using stem cells to create organoid models to study degenerative diseases, studying the effects of microgravity and UV radiation on plants at a cellular level, and testing whether wearing pressure cuffs on the legs could prevent fluid shifts and reduce health problems in astronauts. Learn more about the mission and science at: nasa.gov/missions/station/commercial-crew/what-you-need-to-know-about-nasas-spacex-crew-8-mission (https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/commercial-crew/what-you-need-to-know-about-nasas-spacex-crew-8-mission/)

UPDATE MARCH 4, 2024:

gJ289PotNhc

ExomatrixTV

1st March 2024, 17:19

FAA Starship Approval: Why It's A Big Deal For SpaceX!:

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Starship's second flight investigation is closed! What happened? Is the way clear for IFT3? Ship 28 conducts a spin prime! What’s next? Another Dragon will visit the ISS soon! And Rocket Lab releases a massive Electron and Neutron update!

ExomatrixTV

4th March 2024, 14:24

UPDATE MARCH 4, 2024:

gJ289PotNhc

Bill Ryan

8th March 2024, 22:35

SpaceX has announced that the target date for its next Starship flight test is Thursday 14 March, 6.30 am local time.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1765037578343121372
1765037578343121372

ExomatrixTV

10th March 2024, 20:00

Elon Musk officially Confirmed Starship ''SPIN on way to Mars' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh0___-zV7U)

Centrifugal Inertia Force Will Create Artificial Gravity Of 1G
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ExomatrixTV

11th March 2024, 16:21

YES! SpaceX Starship Flight 3 got BIG demand from NASA. Starship launch under a week...:

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Starship's upcoming Flight 3 has significant demand from NASA, marking pivotal progress for both SpaceX and NASA in lunar exploration.
NASA's reliance on SpaceX's Starship for its moon missions signifies a shift towards sustainable space exploration.
SpaceX's Starship will undergo crucial tests for cryogenic propellant transfer capabilities, crucial for lunar lander missions.
Starship's ability to achieve orbit marks a significant milestone in space exploration, offering reusability and rapid turnaround capabilities at a reasonable cost.
NASA's partnership with SpaceX for lunar missions could revolutionize space exploration with frequent and cost-effective launches.
While NASA heavily relies on SpaceX, it also supports other aerospace companies to maintain a diverse space industry ecosystem.
The success of Starship could redefine NASA's approach to space exploration, offering more efficient and frequent missions beyond the moon.

Bill Ryan

14th March 2024, 09:38

The launch of the third Starship+Booster is scheduled for 2 hrs 22 mins from now (7 am US Central time). Livestreams here:
:happy dog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixZpBOxMopc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrxCYzixV3s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHq2jhP1efI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr8ZaMAa5jw

Did You See Them

14th March 2024, 10:07

What to expect - hope for.

The third flight test aims to build on what we’ve learned from previous flights while attempting a number of ambitious objectives, including the successful ascent burn of both stages, opening and closing Starship’s payload door, a propellant transfer demonstration during the upper stage’s coast phase, the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space, and a controlled reentry of Starship. It will also fly a new trajectory, with Starship targeted to splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This new flight path enables us to attempt new techniques like in-space engine burns while maximizing public safety.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-3

Did You See Them

14th March 2024, 14:35

Spectacular!
Roll on No:4
:happythumbsup::happythumbsup:

Proof of concept.

Stage 1
3 of 12 to15 prototypes now spent.

Stage 2
12 to 15 (@ 15% bigger + 15% bigger raptor engines ) prototypes under construction.

Stage 3
12 to 15 ( @ 10% bigger again + more of the larger raptor engines ) under construction.

Then we will have a Starship.
Exciting times ahead.

mountain_jim

14th March 2024, 15:21

https://x.com/Mangan150/status/1768272441066025240?s=20

1768272441066025240

P. D. Mangan Health & Freedom Maximalist 🇺🇸@Mangan150
Between defending free speech and blasting rockets into space, @elonmusk
is far more impressive than anything government is doing.

https://x.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1768290532436959665?s=20

1768290532436959665

Wall Street Silver
@WallStreetSilv
The headlines the legacy media uses to describe SpaceX's test flight are predictable.

The Starship test launch was a massive success being the first to reach orbit. No other rocket even tries to test landing. They just dump them into the ocean.

However, the "news media" has been ordered to cast everything Elon does in a negative light.

Did You See Them

14th March 2024, 15:49

Yes the media loves to cast these tests as failures.
That is why I edited my post above to show the 3 stages of testing that are planned. I should also add that Elon also says that once the Starship has completed development it will have to then have a couple of hundred flights under its belt before a human steps aboard.

Ravenlocke

17th March 2024, 19:46

https://x.com/RT_com/status/1769446103957872861

1769446103957872861

https://www.rt.com/news/594364-musk-starshield-spy-satellites/

Musk building huge spy satellite network – Reuters

Elon Musk’s secretive Starshield project will allow the US military to track targets and support American and allied ground forces in real time almost anywhere on Earth, Reuters has reported, sharing new details of the billionaire’s dealings with the Pentagon.

SpaceX has been launching prototype military satellites alongside “civilian” payloads on Falcon 9 rockets since at least 2020, before eventually securing a lucrative $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in 2021, Reuters wrote on Saturday, citing five unnamed sources familiar with the project.

The vast constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites will be able to track targets on the ground in real time nearly anywhere worldwide, the sources claimed. One of them boasted that Starshield would ensure “no one can hide” from the US government. The system also reportedly aims to be “more resilient to attacks” by rival space powers.

It remains unclear how many Starshield satellites are currently operational and when the system is expected to fully come online, with SpaceX and the Pentagon ignoring Reuters’ requests for comment. The NRO claimed it is developing “the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen,” but refused to comment on SpaceX’s role in the project.

The SpaceX CEO previously acknowledged the development of the military alternative to the “civilian” Starlink system, saying in September that it would be “owned by the US government” and controlled by the Department of Defense.

“Starlink needs to be a civilian network, not a participant to combat,” Musk said, referring to the use of the satellites in Ukraine throughout the conflict with Russia.

Musk donated around 20,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine shortly after Russia launched its military operation in February 2022. Since then, Kiev’s troops heavily relied on the system to maintain communications and operate combat drones along the front line.

While pledging support for Ukraine, Musk has repeatedly said he favors a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The billionaire has come under fire from US officials after refusing Kiev’s demands to use the Starlink network to aid strikes on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. In turn, Musk argued that activating Starlink in Crimea would be in breach of US sanctions. In the absence of any direct orders from the US leadership, SpaceX opted not to contravene regulations despite Kiev’s request to do so, the tycoon explained.

Earlier this month, US lawmakers reportedly launched another probe into SpaceX, after Ukrainian claims that Russian troops had allegedly used Starlink satellite service on the conflict frontline. Musk has denied the allegations, insisting that “no Starlinks have been sold directly or indirectly to Russia.” The Kremlin has also insisted that the Russian military has never ordered Starlink terminals.

ExomatrixTV

18th March 2024, 13:09

SpaceX Starship's 'Monumental' Test Flight, Explained:

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SpaceX's Starship rocket launched farther and faster than ever before during its third test flight. About That producer Lauren Bird breaks down the milestones from the launch, and why, despite being lost before re-entry, many say this was SpaceX's most successful launch yet. CORRECTION (March 15, 2024): A previous version of this video incorrectly identified an image at 3:18 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv0zGH85X4c&t=198s) as a Starlink satellite. In fact, that image was of the Tiangong-1, a Chinese space station. The video has been edited to remove that image.

Surprisingly, not that bad mainstream media report!

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

ExomatrixTV

18th March 2024, 21:16

Elon Musk Speech on STARSHIP!!

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Starship Flew Further Than Ever! | SpaceX Starbase Update:

jYQMb6Y65d0

ExomatrixTV

1st June 2024, 23:01

Starship Flight 4 Update:

Rta_pbpGAGM

ExomatrixTV

4th June 2024, 13:04

SpaceX Starship: The Next Frontier Awaits!:

pscFJSofcGs
With Starship’s 4th integrated flight test right around the corner I thought it was finally time to share our latest SpaceX Starship presentation supercut, once again faithfully created by our amazing Mr GameplayReviewUK. The Next Frontier Awaits, and as we are gearing up for this next gigantic spectacle, it’s always good to step out and look at the big picture. We’ve taken Elon's 2024 presentation, cut down the repetition and unnecessary bits, and served it up right here as a neat bonus video. There was a load of great stuff in this so if you missed it, watched only some of it, or just want a fun refresh mixed with wonderful music, you are going to love this.

Bill Ryan

4th June 2024, 15:14

SpaceX Starship: The Next Frontier Awaits!:

pscFJSofcGsRECOMMENDED — a very cool SpaceX video about colonizing Mars, and a pretty neat accompanying narrative by Elon Musk. (I didn't think I'd watch it all the way through, but I was captivated.)

The planned date for the next Starship launch is Thursday June 6, the day after tomorrow. :fingers crossed:

Bill Ryan

6th June 2024, 12:25

The fourth Starship suborbital launch (targeting a controlled soft landing in the ocean for both the booster and starship, is scheduled for 25 minutes from now.

Many YouTube channels are covering this live (easily found, including Tim Dodd's Everyday Astronaut channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VESowgMbjA) which I'm watching now), but here's the SpaceX live Twitter feed:

https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1OwxWYzDXjWGQ (https://twitter.com/i/status/1798099582473429352)

Did You See Them

6th June 2024, 15:22

That was a ride !
Great test and a lot of tension thrown in - will the fin survive or are we going to see another unscheduled rapid disassembly ?
Touch down !

mountain_jim

6th June 2024, 16:00

https://x.com/EndWokeness/status/1798723630995828832

1798723630995828832

End Wokeness
@EndWokeness
Elon Musk just sent a 40-story building into space and landed it back on earth.

This is what the MSM is covering today:

ExomatrixTV

6th June 2024, 17:22

1798698658772525069
1798706177553121357

Bill Ryan

6th June 2024, 17:34

That was a ride !
Great test and a lot of tension thrown in - will the fin survive or are we going to see another unscheduled rapid disassembly ?
Touch down !Summary: yes, a wild ride! :) Everything went-near perfectly, FAR exceeding everyone's expectations.

Minutes after a smooth lift-off and stage separation, the Booster made a vertical, controlled slow-speed 'soft' landing in the ocean. That was plenty success enough. (Listen to the cheering SpaceX team celebrations in the video above!)

Then nearly an hour later, halfway round the earth, the Starship did likewise — despite one of its steering grid fins melting dramatically, gradually breaking into flaming pieces in the fierce heat of reentry.

That was a planned part of the test flight, as a few of the protective heat tiles had purposefully been left off the fin simply to see what would happen. (They found out! :ROFL:)

Despite the meltdown of the fin, somehow the ship was still able not only to steer, brake and maintain stability, but also to make its own gentle vertical landing exactly as everyone had barely dared to hope for. None of the online live commentators, on multiple different channels, could believe that the ship survived AND made its planned, controlled, ocean 'landing'.

ExomatrixTV

6th June 2024, 18:50

INUZ9-8p24o

Mark (Star Mariner)

6th June 2024, 19:12

1798698658772525069

What the heck was that at 46.29?

Mid-descent, you can spot an object floating upwards in the distance. It does not appear to be a small nearby object either, like debris from the vehicle or a lump of ice.

53226

ExomatrixTV

7th June 2024, 00:53

1798838547333763150
1798839719964618998
1798847986824282465

ExomatrixTV

7th June 2024, 11:53

1798937746624631249
1798960484785455188

ExomatrixTV

7th June 2024, 14:26

SpaceX's Starship Literally Melted! But It Kept Flying To A Miraculous Landing!

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SpaceX's IFT4 Was expected to push the flight envelope out further, joining the dots between the orbital speeds and the flip and burn landings which had been demonstrated a few years ago. There were a few changes to this flight profile, and in particular, intentionally discarding the hot staging ring appears to have freed up enough margin to make a soft landing of the booster possible. But the real story of this flight was watching as the heat of atmospheric entry burned through at least one of the control flaps, but the spacecraft kept flying, remained in control and proceeded to a soft touchdown in the Indian ocean. The hardware was on show, but the software was performing the real miracles today.

ExomatrixTV

7th June 2024, 14:51

Elon Musk's SERIOUS Upgrade After Failure of Ship 29 Flap Heat Shield during Re-entry:

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The Starship's fourth test flight marked a big milestone in SpaceX’s history, with a successful landing after an hour and six minutes of flight. You know, this flight will always be remembered like the falcon heavy’s. Nevertheless, to say, it was a stunning view, isn’t it? Let me know your thoughts on flight 4 in the comment box. So back to the topic.

The re-entry process began at T plus 45 minutes, with hot plasma flashes followed by an orange-red beam and strong friction waves. The beam gradually cleared and turned orange-red, indicating the increasing heat. In addition to the plasma beam, there were also strong friction waves resulting from the re-entry speed of nearly 20,000 kilometer per hour. A positive sign was that the re-entry process lasted longer than just a few minutes, as it had before.

However, an incident occurred when excitement was at its peak. At around T plus 57 minutes, sparks seemed to creep through the joint connecting the flap to the main part of the ship, and then flames appeared. We could see debris and ash flying from that location, and one flap connector appeared to be completely separated from the rest. Subsequently, it seemed that pieces of ash flew into the camera, significantly limiting the view of the entire journey. Nonetheless, the flap appeared to remain attached to the ship until the end of the journey. Through a small, blurry perspective, we could see the flap moving gently, possibly due to the impact of seawater.

This problem clearly stemmed from the re-entry impact. It is possible that the heat shield was affected, causing the stainless-steel part behind it to directly suffer from the heat. While stainless steel is durable, it is not strong enough to withstand such harsh conditions without adequate protection. Furthermore, the flap is attached to the ship with a system of screws and bolts, making it the most vulnerable part of the ship. This led to the recent incident with Starship.

IFT 4 FULL RECAP IN 30 MINUTES WITH TIMESTAMPS:

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1799458854067118450

Bill Ryan

7th June 2024, 18:38

What the heck was that at 46.29?

Mid-descent, you can spot an object floating upwards in the distance. It does not appear to be a small nearby object either, like debris from the vehicle or a lump of ice.

https://projectavalon.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=53226&d=1717701122&thumb=1At 6:49 in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObulHCfaODU), Marcus House points out that this is the jettisoned hot staging ring (that looks like a disk!) receding into the distance. :)

ExomatrixTV

9th June 2024, 11:27

Exclusive: Elon Musk discusses Starship's 4th Flight:

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00:00 von braun reusability values
01:00 how did Starlink do on this flight
01:25 ship Starlink improvements
02:00 what did flight 4 do unexpectedly well?
02:45 e's take on the lil flap that could
03:30 chopsticks wen?
04:00 stargate construction
05:40 what age / attitude is best to work at SpaceX?
06:00 turnaround time goals, status
07:00 gravity well troubles / broad overview
09:00 value of public interest, timing
09:45 children on mars?

ExomatrixTV

13th June 2024, 17:10

What Exactly Happened On SpaceX's FOURTH Starship Test Flight!

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Our THOROUGH breakdown of Starship's latest journey to space and back again!

ExomatrixTV

19th June 2024, 21:40

Spotted: New SpaceX BLOCK 2 Starship Hardware! Game-Changing Upgrades?:

GXoU7DV2mwE
SpaceX is Testing to prepare for a Starship Booster catch. Can they do it? The second Starship launch tower goes vertical. SpaceXs new Starship Lunar lander won't have Solar panels! How will it get power? NASA needs a new way to get samples from Mars to Earth! Could Starship be the key?

ExomatrixTV

22nd June 2024, 19:51

dDcXytGd29k

First Look Inside SpaceX's Starfactory w/ Elon Musk:

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Join Elon Musk for a tour inside SpaceX's Starbase and the brand new Starfactory. This video was shot the day before Flight 4, on June 5th, 2024.

00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Interview Starts
10:12 - Starships in Highbay
21:24 - Manufacturing talk
23:50 - Reusability
27:00 - Ice / Thruster talk
31:30 - Megabay
41:15 - Raptors
49:07 - Inside Starfactory

China probably has a roomful of engineers listening to this with note pads in hand.

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

Bill Ryan

22nd June 2024, 22:17

China probably has a roomful of engineers listening to this with note pads in hand.They did that long ago! :ROFL: This (below!) is China's Starship:

https://spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/starship_superheavy.jpg

ExomatrixTV

25th June 2024, 22:45

SpaceX Just Revealed Landing Starship Booster Onto The Droneship!:

Mw3Hcp__MiM
00:00: Intro
00:41: Landing Starship on droneship
06:52: Other methods
09:42: Conclusion

ExomatrixTV

27th June 2024, 12:33

US SpaceX vs Russia/China ... Disaster! for China, Rocket FALLING Again ...

1NDR-SwEnZ0
“Rocket science is easy... landing a rocket is hard,” Elon Musk said. And this is true for most rocket companies worldwide, including Chinese rocket companies. Despite their efforts to catch up with SpaceX, landing rockets has never been an easy task for China.

Recently, a rocket company in China had a rocket crashed into a village while burning fiercely. This is truly an unacceptable disaster.

So, what exactly happened? Why does China continue to face such setbacks in its space endeavors? Let’s find out everything in today's episode of Alpha Tech.

The space race is becoming increasingly intense. With the growing competition between China and the United States, comparing SpaceX and China's aerospace industry has become a familiar topic. Chinese rocket companies are still striving daily to catch up with SpaceX in the reusable rocket industry.

As of June 17th 2024, Elon Musk's SpaceX has completed 356 launches, 319 landings, and 290 re-flights, according to flight data from Fox News. This is a tremendous achievement for the world's first private space company to pioneer and deploy reusable rockets. The reusable Falcon 9 rocket has dominated the launch industry, putting the United States in the number one position in the global space race.

Data from BryceTech shows that SpaceX launched 525 spacecraft into orbit in the first quarter. This number is more than any other space program in the world, significantly surpassing China and Russia. SpaceX launched approximately 429,125 Kg of large spacecraft in the quarter, far exceeding China's rocket program, which launched 29,426 Kg.

Moreover, SpaceX's fourth test flight of the next-generation Starship rocket was a complete success in early June, signaling that the U.S. rocket program will continue to develop throughout the next century.

ExomatrixTV

27th June 2024, 13:00

[2024 Part 2] Interview w/ Elon Musk under Starship, with post launch follow up!:

InJOlT6WdHc
Get up close and personal to a full stack of Starship on the Orbital Launch Mount at SpaceX's Starbase facility with Elon Musk. Then hear how Starship Flight 4 went when we follow up with Elon after the launch!

00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Launch Pad
16:52 - Launch Footage
18:10 - Sponsor
19:46 - Post Launch Interview
31:57 - Outro

The shot at 00:46 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InJOlT6WdHc&t=46s) is almost like a science fiction movie.

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

ExomatrixTV

30th June 2024, 20:31

Terrifying rocket explosion in populated region of China!

fvqPaPemrxY

How Dream Chaser Reinvented The Space Shuttle:

jVIXI09-AYw

ExomatrixTV

1st July 2024, 16:38

SpaceX Just Announced To Land Starship Booster On The Droneship:

pbL8sd_N7jo
In the realm of rocket science, launching a rocket into orbit poses significant challenges, each type facing its unique hurdles. Expendable rockets contend with the complexities of the launch phase, while reusable rockets, notably SpaceX's colossal Starship, face daunting obstacles during landing. However, SpaceX recently proposed an audacious rocket recovery method to the FAA, aiming to redefine possibilities in spaceflight. Among their boldest innovations is the plan to land the Starship Booster on a droneship at sea. Why did SpaceX opt for this unconventional landing approach? How will they execute it, and what are the anticipated benefits and challenges? Join us today on Alpha Tech as we delve into these groundbreaking developments! SpaceX Just Announced To Land Starship Booster On The Droneship Shocked NASA... We all likely remember that at the beginning of June, the FAA released an environmental impact statement concerning Starship at the LC-39A launch site in Florida. This statement was more than just a step towards obtaining an operational license for the Starship system at the U.S. rocket launch center. It offered a sneak peek into SpaceX's ambitious future plans, providing a tangible glimpse of the super heavy launch system poised to revolutionize humanity. SpaceX Just Announced To Land Starship Booster On The Droneship Shocked NASA... Beyond the bold goals and unintentional revelations in the statement—such as the Starship Super Heavy boasting 35 engines and separate integration and catch towers for Starship, which we've discussed in previous episodes—we turn our focus to the landing of Starship and Super Heavy. The two Starship stages are primarily intended to land onshore, being captured by the launch tower's "chopsticks" arm. However, the new statement reveals that in the not-too-distant future, SpaceX and Elon Musk plan to recover rockets by landing them on droneships at sea—similar to the successful reusable landing method they've perfected with Falcon 9. Unbelievable, right? With the catch tower already built, why would SpaceX need to land Starship at sea? It's a reasonable question, but let's broaden our perspective. SpaceX has set an ambitious target of 44 launches a year, as outlined in the document.

ExomatrixTV

2nd July 2024, 16:02

SpaceX Drops Some Incredible Starship News! What Will This Lead To?

2CyuBTP6yj8

ExomatrixTV

2nd July 2024, 19:51

1808200213414531113

source (https://twitter.com/MAstronomers/status/1808200213414531113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Bill Ryan

3rd July 2024, 23:22

ExomatrixTV

4th July 2024, 19:48

Musk's SpaceX Genius NEW Solution for Starship's Weak Problem During Launch:

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Musk's SpaceX Genius NEW Solution for Starship's Weak Problem During Launch

0:00 Intro
1:36 Solution for the heat shield
3:30-Solution for Flap system
6:25 Solution for Raptor engines

ExomatrixTV

4th July 2024, 19:57

This forecast of Hurricane Beryl's path was published a couple of hours ago. It may very well hit SpaceX's Starbase head on. Even as a reduced-strength Category 1, that still might cause a bunch of problems to all the complex exposed infrastructure, including giant cranes, huge rectangular buildings, and a bunch of tall rockets in the rocket garden.

https://kubrick.htvapps.com/htv-prod-media.s3.amazonaws.com/images/dynamic/wvtm/Planner2.jpg

Hurricane Beryl Seen from Space

https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/grbgka7wwaafx70.jpg (https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/studying-hurricane-beryl-from-space/)

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick captured this image of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean on July 1, 2024, while aboard the International Space Station, and posted it to X. The Category 4 hurricane had winds of about 130 mph (215 kph).

Hurricanes – tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the eastern Pacific Ocean – use warm, moist air as fuel. The warm, moist air over the ocean rises upward from near the surface, causing an area of lower air pressure below. Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure pushes into the low pressure area. Then that “new” air becomes warm and moist and rises, too. As the warm air continues to rise, the surrounding air swirls in to take its place. As the warmed, moist air rises and cools off, the water in the air forms clouds. The whole system of clouds and wind spins and grows, fed by the ocean’s heat and water evaporating from the surface.

NASA studies hurricanes from space through photos like this one, as well as observations from satellites. This vantage point helps scientists understand how climate change impacts hurricanes and learn how communities can better prepare for tropical cyclones in a warmer world. Learn more about how hurricane first responders use NASA resources and data.

source (https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/studying-hurricane-beryl-from-space/)

ExomatrixTV

5th July 2024, 20:27

How SpaceX Will Change The Entire Starship Launch Mount!:

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Ship 31 rolls to Masseys. Will it spark this time? Tower 2 on the move! When Stack? A not-so-reusable launch pad. How will they fix it? Another hurricane on its way. Only this time, it's big! And a Chinese rocket performs a not-so-static, static fire.

ExomatrixTV

5th July 2024, 21:03

ExomatrixTV

6th July 2024, 01:33

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ExomatrixTV

8th July 2024, 15:49

Starship Is Getting Bigger and Bigger Than You Think! Here's Why:

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0:00 Intro
0:25 Starship Bigger
1:45 Bigger comes more efficiency
5:22 Difficult things
7:18 Where did Starship go?

ExomatrixTV

8th July 2024, 15:53

What SpaceX just did Completely HUMILIATED NASA's Scientists:

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0:00 Intro
0:24 Expanding and innovation SpaceX's launchpad & launch tower
2:13 The difference between old and new towers
5:17 Why Nasa scientists are embarrassed

ExomatrixTV

10th July 2024, 17:03

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ExomatrixTV

12th July 2024, 18:05

Unveiled: SpaceX's Updated Plan for Starship Flight 5!:

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SpaceX’s Starship Booster 12 ready for a 33-engine screaming static fire. But when will it happen? Starship 31 gets its engines. Is it ready for flight 6? Is space exploration more important than Earth's environment? Or can we have both? And Europe finally launched their new Ariane 6 rocket! How did it go?

ExomatrixTV

14th July 2024, 01:16

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ExomatrixTV

23rd July 2024, 16:21

SpaceX Finally Does The Last Big Starship Test Before Flight 5!:

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SpaceX’s Starship Ship 30 for the next launch is complete… but requires more testing? Starbase’s Starship Tower Two goes up faster and faster! Will it go up in time to meet the goal? Is SpaceX really going to destroy the ISS for NASA? Why is NASA’s moon rover being replaced by concrete? Essential building blocks for life on Mars. Does this mean life on Mars?

ExomatrixTV

26th July 2024, 14:02

SpaceX Finally Finishes Testing! Starship Flight 5 Next!:

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A new SpaceX Super heavy booster segment spotted! Is this the first Next Gen Starship booster? Starship 31 gets its engines! How long till it flies? SpaceX’s Ground Breaking Polaris Dawn Mission is a go! But is it safe after Falcon 9’s failure?

ExomatrixTV

27th July 2024, 23:20

Musk Has Finally Solved The Problem Of Heat Shields On Starship:

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SpaceX has recently made significant improvements to the heatshield of its Starship spacecraft, aiming to enhance its durability and reusability during re-entry. One of the major enhancements includes the addition of an extra heat shield layer made from an ablative material. This layer serves as a backup to protect the spacecraft if any of the primary ceramic tiles fail. This secondary layer ensures that the spacecraft can survive the intense heat of re-entry even if some tiles are damaged or fall off.

The primary heat shield of the Starship consists of about 18,000 hexagonal ceramic tiles. These tiles have been tested to withstand temperatures up to 2,510 degrees Fahrenheit (1,377 degrees Celsius) during re-entry. The hexagonal shape minimizes paths through which hot gases can pass, enhancing the shield's effectiveness.

In addition to the new ablative layer, SpaceX has addressed previous issues such as clogged valves and engine malfunctions that occurred during re-entry attempts. For the upcoming fourth test flight, the company has incorporated additional roll control thrusters and hardware upgrades to improve attitude control and ensure a more stable re-entry. These changes aim to prevent the overheating and structural issues observed in earlier tests.

Bill Ryan

5th August 2024, 16:01

Like many others, I've been waiting for some confirmation of the next Starship launch date. It now appears from an Elon Musk interview on 29 July (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWQX40qJEUU) that it'll likely be in early September, the very end of August at the earliest.
(A side note! I've abandoned checking into the many SpaceX update channels for now, as most of them are simply trying to bolster their monetization on any pretext they can find. While some of the info is interesting to space geeks, the only thing that most people want to see is a new launch. :))

Did You See Them

5th August 2024, 18:51

Tim Dodd on Everyday Astronaut is a decent enough site for Starship updates.
And for basic all launch schedules try:
https://nextspaceflight.com/

ExomatrixTV

10th August 2024, 03:22

SpaceX Drops Big Starship Flight 5 News!:

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Is Starship ready for a catch attempt? Could it be too loud? Next-gen Starship developments? What is this? Starship 30 about to fire for a third time? How come? When’s the launch? And a brand new space plane is about to take off?

That animation @ 3:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enCbYa6FvTQ&t=180s) showing the Catch Pin Alignment Hardware was extremely enlightening. I always assumed that the catch pins had to perfectly aligned before landing. I now see that there is about +/- 15 degrees of error margin. I am even more confident of a successful catch attempt. Bring on Flight Five!

ExomatrixTV

10th August 2024, 15:36

What SpaceX Just Revealed is a Massive Breakthrough:

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ExomatrixTV

10th August 2024, 15:40

Is the FAA Holding Back SpaceX's Starship Launch?

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The Starship system is a fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle under development by SpaceX. The system is composed of a booster stage named Super Heavy and a second stage, also called "Starship"

ExomatrixTV

13th August 2024, 20:03

SpaceX Drops Starship Flight 5 Plan Update! Starliner Still Stuck At ISS!:

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SpaceX’s Starship Flight 5 hardware is ready. So when’s that next launch? Booster 14.1 Back at the launch site. Will we see more Slaps? The first next-gen Starship is almost done! What's it missing? SpaceX Raptor 3 static fired. How is this even real? Starliner is still stuck at the ISS, and now we know why!

mountain_jim

14th August 2024, 18:46

https://x.com/_emergent_/status/1823749444371636591

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ExomatrixTV

15th August 2024, 20:32

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ExomatrixTV

16th August 2024, 18:13

SpaceX Reveals Important Starship Flight 5 News! Are They Ready?:

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SpaceX resumes stacking operations for Starship’s second launch tower. How long till it's done? SpaceX finishes final preparations for flight 5’s catch attempt and gives a new launch estimate. Are they really ready? The mysterious Ship 26 is moved to the Megabay. Will it finally be scrapped? SpaceX’s Starfactory is less than a month from completion, according to Musk. But is it really? And SpaceX has a new crew mission launching by the end of the year. And it's going to the poles.

ExomatrixTV

17th August 2024, 16:11

The most ignorant Elon Musk hater ever! Is the media trying to stop Starship altogether?:

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ExomatrixTV

18th August 2024, 18:45

What SpaceX Just Did With Starship Launch Tower is HUMILIATED NASA's Scientist!:

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What SpaceX Just Did With Starship Launch Tower is HUMILIATED NASA's Scientist! If a rocket launch is like a beautiful dance performance, then the launch tower is the stage on which this glorious spectacle takes place. And for the dance to be perfect and safe, we need a sturdy stage, and SpaceX has excelled at providing just that. They have developed large launch towers, continuously improved their performance over time, and it’s even cost-effective. This completely humiliated NASA's Scientist and its Mobile Launch Tower. And why’s that? What problems is Nasa facing with its own tower? All will be in today’s episode of Alpha Tech: But before getting into the main content, I want to tell you: Thank you all for supporting our channel over the past 3 years. We now have over 86,000 subscribers, getting very close to the 100,000 mark. To achieve this, we need your help. Please hit the subscribe button now so you won't miss out on any exciting content and also give us the motivation to continue creating every day. And now, let's continue! What SpaceX Just Did With Starship Launch Tower is HUMILIATED NASA's Scientist! Recently, rocket enthusiasts are likely immersed in a lot of hot news, from the Boeing Starliner disaster to the upcoming Starship flight and SpaceX's troubles with the FAA. But let’s not forget that right at Starbase, there's a massive engineering project worth noting, arguably the tallest ever, that is steadily progressing. Yes, it’s none other than Starship’s OLIT 3, also known as the second launch tower at Starbase. The foundation was laid on June 13, 2024, and to date, it has reached the seventh segment of the tower assembly. In reality, stacking the tower could have been quicker, as the first six segments of the tower demonstrated SpaceX's impressive speed. The construction of SpaceX's launch tower has proceeded at a remarkable pace. After completing a solid base with piles, steel plates, concrete, and foundations, the company began installing the OLIT 3 modules at a dizzying speed. What SpaceX Just Did With Starship Launch Tower is HUMILIATED NASA's Scientist! July 11 marked an important milestone when the first module was placed on the base. Just five days later, on July 16, the second module was stacked. Continuing this pace, the third and fourth modules were installed on July 18 and 25, respectively. Particularly impressive was the installation of the last two modules. Just a week after the fourth module was completed, the fifth module was neatly placed into position on August 2. And only two days later, on August 4, the sixth module was also fully installed. On average, SpaceX took only 3.8 days to complete the assembly of each tower segment. This is an extraordinary speed, far surpassing their previous efforts and setting a new standard in the space industry for the speed of constructing rocket launch infrastructure. However, on the other hand, it took SpaceX up to 12 days to begin and complete the stacking of the seventh tower segment. So, what caused this rapid pace to be interrupted? As we know, SpaceX is currently using the Demag CC8800-1 to stack pre-assembled modules for their newest Starship launch/landing tower at Boca Chica. A few days ago, the crane was lowered for extension (adding new parts to the boom, main boom, and jib). On August 9, the extension work was completed, and the crane was raised with the upper part of the boom resting on a replacement support. While being raised, the backstop hydraulic cylinders, which are supposed to retract as the boom is raised, seemed to have locked and then tore free of their mounts as the pressure built.

ExomatrixTV

20th August 2024, 21:32

Craziest SpaceX mission in less than a week, Polaris Dawn:

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rumble.com/search/all?q=Polaris Dawn Mission (https://rumble.com/search/all?q=Polaris%20Dawn%20Mission)
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youtube.com/results?search_query=Polaris+Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Polaris+Dawn)

ExomatrixTV

21st August 2024, 21:00

Starship Flight 5 New License, 2 Weeks Countdown! Why Europe’s Rocket Exploded...:

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Starship Flight 5 New License, 2 Weeks Countdown! Why Europe’s Rocket Exploded...

00:00 Intro
00:37 Starship Flight 5’s progress
05:41 RFA’s failed static fire test
09:20 Falcon 9’s new launch contract

ExomatrixTV

22nd August 2024, 17:34

SpaceXs' Big Announcement To launch Polaris Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Polaris+Dawn) in Days, Musk's Reaction:

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SpaceXs' Big Announcement To launch Polaris Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Polaris+Dawn) in Days, Musk's Reaction Next Monday morning, SpaceX will embark on its boldest mission yet. For the first time, four ordinary citizens—not professional astronauts—will undertake a spacewalk mission by flying into space aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This flight marks a significant milestone in opening the doors of space to all of humanity. But how will it unfold? What risks await the crew? And how has SpaceX prepared to ensure their safety? All will be in today’s episode of Alpha Tech: But before getting into the main content, I want to tell you: Thank you all for supporting our channel over the past 3 years.

SpaceXs' Big Announcement To launch Polaris Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Polaris+Dawn) in Days, Musk's Reaction “First SpaceX spacewalk mission launches in a week. This will be epic.” Elon Musk proudly declared while sharing the latest announcement about the launch which is sure to bring us new surprises. Of course, it all has its reasons.

First announced in 2022, Polaris Dawn (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Polaris+Dawn) is the first experimental and developmental mission in a series of three under the Polaris Program, which Isaacman has stated he will undertake and fund in collaboration with SpaceX.

The crew includes billionaire Jared Isaacman, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, Scott "Kidd" Poteet, and two of SpaceX's top space operations engineers, Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis. The flight is scheduled for the morning of August 26th, and as of this video, it’s only four days away. SpaceXs' Big Announcement To launch Polaris Dawn in Days, Musk's Reaction While previous space missions funded by wealthy entrepreneurs might conjure up images of self-indulgent joyrides, Polaris Dawn is an experimental mission designed to push the boundaries.

The ultimate goal of the Polaris Program is to take the first steps toward validating the technology that SpaceX will need someday to send humans deeper into space, including: - Setting a record for Earth orbit altitude with an apogee of 1,400 km (879 miles) - Conducting the first commercial spacewalk using an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit designed by SpaceX - Demonstrating Starlink technology aboard the Dragon spacecraft - Conducting around 40 experiments from 20 partner research institutions After launch, the Polaris Dawn crew will enter an elliptical orbit extending up to 870 miles (1,400 km) from Earth. This takes them deep into the inner region of Earth's Van Allen radiation belt, which starts at an altitude of around 600 miles (1,000 km).

According to NASA, the belt is an area where high-energy particles from the sun are trapped and interact with Earth's atmosphere, creating two dangerous radiation belts.

youtube.com/@alphatech4966/videos (https://www.youtube.com/@alphatech4966/videos)

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ExomatrixTV

25th August 2024, 22:58

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ExomatrixTV

26th August 2024, 14:27

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1827970789204705610

spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=polarisdawn (https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=polarisdawn)
spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-10-5 (https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-10-5)

ExomatrixTV

26th August 2024, 19:30

NASA Ordered SpaceX To Complete the Boeing Starliner Mission, Elon Musk Reaction!:

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can the taxpayers get a refund

ExomatrixTV

27th August 2024, 16:34

Starship Flight 5 Countdown! SpaceX Racing To The Next Launch!:

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We are so close! The Starship Flight 5 countdown begins as teams race to finish the remaining work. SpaceX just finished stacking its first block 2 Starship; only the final segment is missing something! We figured out for you what SpaceX will use its new can crusher 2.0 for. And we know if Starliner will fly back with or without its crew! Does it have something to do with the Discovery Channel?

ExomatrixTV

27th August 2024, 23:59

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“Musk To The Rescue” - SpaceX To Save Stranded NASA Astronauts After Boeing's Space Blunder:

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ExomatrixTV

29th August 2024, 02:48

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ExomatrixTV

30th August 2024, 17:54

SpaceX Massively Updates Starship! Ready For Flight 5!:

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We Spotted the first piece of a second Starship Block 2 nose cone, and that's only the beginning! In preparation for flight 5, SpaceX's teams begin… removing parts of the chopsticks?! Ship 33 gets its last pieces; testing is right around the corner! And scientists just made a massive discovery on Mars; it changes everything!

ExomatrixTV

7th September 2024, 01:51

Is SpaceX Ready For Starship Flight 5? Blue Origin Gearing Up For New Glenn Launch!:

h1AXicQVxJI
SpaceX’s Starship is gearing up for the Superheavy catch! What’s still missing? The second Starship launch mount has arrived at Starbase? Is the FAA holding up the Starship launch process? We have at least some news on a possible Starship launch window for flight 5. Blue Origin risks it all! Will they destroy the landing boat?

ExomatrixTV

7th September 2024, 23:13

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ExomatrixTV

10th September 2024, 04:52

Elon Musk: Polaris Dawn Launches SpaceX! Space Sensation! FIRST Commercial Spacewalk:

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The Polaris Dawn mission, which will launch aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, will be the first commercial spacewalk. Find out and watch the launch of this historic rocket on our broadcast! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel!
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🚨 MUSK: “The next fight of Starship is ready to fly. We are waiting on regulatory approval 🤦‍♂️. It shouldn’t be possible to build a giant rocket faster than the paper can move from one desk to another.” 😂 💀
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) September 10, 2024 (https://twitter.com/AutismCapital/status/1833347271003718107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

ExomatrixTV

10th September 2024, 15:44

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ExomatrixTV

10th September 2024, 23:21

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What about 1000s of thunderstorms making even more noise ... NO "wildlife studies" done about that, lol ... They are just OVER THE TOP control freaks of the pathetic parasite class!

source (https://twitter.com/JohnKuhles1966/status/1833646794795786275)

ExomatrixTV

11th September 2024, 23:51

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Strive to greater heights,
For a future brighter than the past,
Waking up each morning inspired,

1833369728116506768
Polaris Dawn is the first mission to test @Starlink (https://twitter.com/Starlink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) laser-based communications, using the “Plug and Plaser” inside Dragon’s trunk to communicate with Starlink satellites throughout the mission
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1833369728116506768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

ExomatrixTV

12th September 2024, 11:20

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LIVE! SpaceX Polaris Dawn Spacewalk:

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See: 2:03:33 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X-aGkOGSwQ&t=7413s) & 2:05:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X-aGkOGSwQ&t=7530s) :crazy_pilot:
1834182306401247635

mountain_jim

13th September 2024, 15:34

https://x.com/_emergent_/status/1834364938527060374

1834364938527060374

#PolarisDawn
Any questions?

NASA: Space𝕏:

— Emergent Perspective (@_emergent_) September 12, 2024

ExomatrixTV

13th September 2024, 23:27

1834725657106170140

video link (https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1834725657106170140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

mountain_jim

14th September 2024, 12:15

^ That was pretty incredible to see and hear.

Everyday Astronaut
@Erdayastronaut
·
Sep 13
Well this is about the most beautiful thing I've ever seen / heard! I LOVE the unity aspect with humans joining in and playing from all around the world! What an incredible moment!!!
Quote
Polaris
@PolarisProgram
·
Sep 13
HARMONY OF RESILIENCE: Recorded in space and sent to Earth via @SpaceX’s @Starlink constellation, Polaris Dawn crewmember and violinist @Gillis_SarahE invites you to enjoy this music moment in support of @StJude & @ElSistemaUSA → http://polarisprogram.com/music

As is so much of what SpaceX is accomplishing, with little help or publicity from NASA and the US crappy, anti-Musk, anti-Free-Speach, government.

Not only little help but actually bureaucratic hindrance.

updated with (apologies if previously posted)

https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1834651653099909167

1834651653099909167

Elon Musk

@elonmusk
Sigh

Quote
DogeDesigner

@cb_doge
·
22h
SpaceX, an American company, just completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk, the farthest from Earth in over 50 years. Yet, no recognition or appreciation from the President.

For Democratic party, politics always comes first, not America.

mountain_jim

15th September 2024, 14:57

https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1835250892515479994

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Welcome back to Earth!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 15, 2024

https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/welcome-back-planet-earth-spacex-polaris-dawn-crew-returns-after-historic-spacewalk

Welcome Back To Planet Earth: SpaceX Polaris Dawn Crew Returns After Historic Spacewalk Mission

by Tyler Durden
Sunday, Sep 15, 2024 - 09:55 AM
The five-day Polaris Dawn mission, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, ended early Sunday as the Crew Dragon capsule safely splashed down off the coast of Florida. The mission, hailed as a massive success, featured the world's first commercial spacewalk with astronauts traveling further into space than any humans for more than half a century and marked a breakthrough in testing inter-satellite laser communication through SpaceX's Starlink network.

The Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts, including billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, and two others, splashed down off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida, around 0337 ET.

< many x posts with images and videos at link >

The mission's top focus was testing SpaceX's most advanced spacesuits at an apogee - or farthest point from Earth - than any human has traveled since NASA's Apollo Program ended in 1972. Astronauts Isaacman and Gillis exited the spacecraft for ten minutes each to test the new suits.

The inter-satellite laser communication between the Dragon Spacecraft and SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation was also successfully tested during the mission.

Looking ahead, Musk revealed one week ago that the Starship mega rocket will begin flying Mars missions in two years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens. The mission will be uncrewed to test the rocket's ability to land intact on the Red Planet.

Democrats are fuming over SpaceX's space successes, while Boeing's Starship and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin are light-years behind Musk.

So far, the Biden administration has not congratulated Musk on Polaris Dawn's push to advance humanity toward becoming a multi-planetary species because of politics.

Abondance

15th September 2024, 20:58

Bill Ryan

15th September 2024, 21:16

ExomatrixTV

16th September 2024, 00:57

A little piece of poetry here, or the vision of someone I've been glad to know, the brother of Denis Villeneuve, Martin.
Martin Villeneuve have never had the means of his brother, with the big hollywoodian machine behind him, but he's furiously creative, intuitive and gathering to give birth to some crazy projects.

MARS & AVRIL was one of my favourite Sci Fi movie, and it's by the mean of a symbolic analysis I've published of that movie that I've been in contact with Martin.

@Bill, you must know that there is a jump room to Mars in this movie. When I've seen the interview where you talked about it, I've send the link to Martin. It's someone that make a lot of retrocognition in his work and we've talked about some times. So maybe there's an interesting time loop here...:roll:

6zV8D5VfEXsExcellent — I'm downloading it right now. :thumbsup:
:happy dog:

Quebec’s first true sci-fi film, shot on a tiny budget of $2.3 million CAD. It received 10 nominations including one for “Best Adapted Screenplay” at the Canadian Screen Awards, won 3 awards and toured in 20 international festivals, with a world premiere in Karlovy Vary. Also, it brought its creator Martin Villeneuve to TED where he became the first (and so far, the only) speaker to come out of Quebec.

Watch Martin Villeneuve’s TED Talk: ted.com/talks/martin_villeneuve_how_i_made_an_impossible_film
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“My favourite film of the festival (and one of the year!) was Martin Villeneuve’s ‘Mars & Avril’, an oneiric ‘space opera’ of a kind that, had he had access to CGI, no doubt Jean Cocteau would have made. So much in this film is vibrantly original and odd. How many future-set films exist that are in no way dystopian, that feature not a single moment of violence, and that have a 75-year-old virgin musician as their hero?

This last is Jacob Obus (Jacques Languirand), whose unique instruments are all designed by his younger friend Arthur Spaak (Paul Ahmarani) in imitation of the female form. A photographer named Avril (Caroline Dhavernas) agrees to model for one of their instruments if in turn they will each model for her own art, ‘focusing on important themes: life, death, time, space, nothingness.’ In the love triangle that ensues, all these themes – and eros too – will play out in a wondrous, melancholic dance that echoes and retunes the harmony of the universe as theorized by Arthur’s father, the ‘experimental cosmologist’, inventor and hologram Eugène Spaak (Robert Lepage).

With its robot bartenders, dream machines, teleportation devices, missions to Mars and sleek steampunk sets, Villeneuve’s astonishing debut has all the furnishings of science fiction, yet in breaking down the barriers between science, art, philosophy and religion it becomes something much more than a mere genre piece. It’s a meta-cosmo-poem with musical accompaniment, photographic imagery and much male longing and loneliness – which makes it a pioneering exploration of the outer limits not just of Canadian filmmaking in particular (which has never before produced something so grandly rich and strange) and cinema in general, but also of the SF and fantasy genres themselves, here made to accommodate the broadest of human concerns.”

– Anton Bitel, Sight & Sound

Vimeo: Mars et Avril / Mars & Avril / Mars and April (2012, English subtitled, BluRay 1080p quality, 91 minutes) (https://vimeo.com/321113367?ysclid=m14arnu47z319288953)

ExomatrixTV

16th September 2024, 01:19

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ExomatrixTV

16th September 2024, 11:34

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source (https://twitter.com/JohnKuhles1966/status/1835642678375076072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

ExomatrixTV

16th September 2024, 15:51

Finally! US Congress, NASA are FORCING FAA to Approve Starship Launch...

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Finally! US Congress, NASA are FORCING FAA to Approve Starship Launch... ===

00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNmwQ7c2f4&t=0s): Intro

00:38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNmwQ7c2f4&t=38s): Congress officials’s reaction to the FAA’s delay

04:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNmwQ7c2f4&t=271s): FAA’s responses

06:19 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNmwQ7c2f4&t=379s): Problems in their argument

07:39 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNmwQ7c2f4&t=459s): Negative impacts due to Starship’s delay

Elon Musk voiced his frustration over the FAA’s delay of Starship Flight 5, stating, "We will never get humanity to Mars if this continues." Starship isn’t just another rocket—it’s a crucial step in space exploration and reflects the competitiveness of the U.S. in the industry. The delay has led to sharp criticism from Congress, with many questioning the FAA's process and its role in slowing down such vital missions. Is it time for the FAA to step aside? Find out more in today’s episode of Great SpaceX. Finally! US Congress, NASA are FORCING FAA to Approve Starship Launch... Over three months have passed since Starship's Flight 4, and anticipation continues to build for Flight 5. However, the FAA has delayed this milestone until late November, frustrating SpaceX and those who see Starship as a critical component of the U.S.'s future in space exploration. As SpaceX pushes the boundaries of aerospace technology, this delay is a significant obstacle. The FAA’s role in the delay, particularly its cumbersome regulations, has drawn ire not only from SpaceX but also from Congress, leading to heightened tensions and calls for reform. The root of the issue lies in the Part 450 regulations, which went into effect in March 2021. SpaceX and other commercial spaceflight companies have faced licensing delays due to this regulatory framework. In a September 10 hearing of the House Science Committee’s space subcommittee, several officials voiced their frustration with the FAA’s inefficiency. SpaceX’s Bill Gerstenmaier warned that the entire regulatory system “is at risk of collapse.” He described how the process has stifled progress, directly impacting companies like SpaceX that are driving innovation in space exploration. Finally! US Congress, NASA are FORCING FAA to Approve Starship Launch... Dave Cavossa, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, further criticized the system, saying, “The way it is being implemented today has caused severe licensing delays, confusion, and is jeopardizing our long-held leadership position.” Cavossa emphasized that the process is “taking years” and that companies are getting “stuck in an endless back-and-forth process.” These delays pose a real threat to the U.S.'s standing in the global space race, as other nations, particularly China, continue to make strides in their own space programs. Pamela Meredith, chair of the space law practice group at KMA Zuckert LLC, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the "lack of certainty, lack of transparency, and significant delays" within the FAA's licensing regime. Even Rep. Brian Babin, chairman of the subcommittee, expressed his concerns, saying, “License processing under the new Part 450 process is moving at a snail’s pace.” This inefficiency is seen as a major roadblock to U.S. space ambitions, particularly with NASA’s goals to return to the Moon and eventually land on Mars.

ExomatrixTV

20th September 2024, 17:08

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source (https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1836639170300666277)

ExomatrixTV

21st September 2024, 14:02

SpaceX Finally Lights Starship Engines Again! Is China Catching Up?

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The FAA strikes again, and SpaceX is hit with another massive fine?! SpaceX finishes its first block two ship. When will its first test be? Tower B is quickly taking shape, but is it better than Tower A? China successfully performs another hop test. Will they be able to catch SpaceX?

ExomatrixTV

21st September 2024, 23:30

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source (https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1837626546074325240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

ExomatrixTV

22nd September 2024, 17:42

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source (https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1837908705683059166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1837908705683059166%7Ctwgr% 5Eb0ecee2cd908039b55579f7c756b10720efe9f63%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fprojectavalon.net%2Fforum4%2Fshowthread.php%3F113915-SpaceX-Starship-test-flights)

ExomatrixTV

25th September 2024, 19:09

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source (https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1838978117072805999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

SpaceX's Solution To Launch Starship Without FAA Landing on the Sea!:

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The path to Flight 5 has been particularly challenging, especially with the FAA's involvement. One major concern revolves around the unprecedented task of catching the Super Heavy booster using the Mechazilla Arm at Starbase. Given these obstacles, along with SpaceX’s long-term vision, should the company consider alternative options—such as moving the landing operations offshore? This could potentially eliminate FAA intervention altogether. But how would such a change impact Starship’s operations? And how soon could this solution be implemented? Join us on today’s episode of Great SpaceX as we explore these questions. SpaceX's Solution To Launch Starship Without FAA Landing on the Sea! With the latest updates from the FAA, it’s clear that SpaceX’s highly anticipated Flight 5 will face further delays, pushing the timeline to "at least late November." This delay has sparked significant criticism of the FAA in recent weeks, as many view the agency’s actions as overly restrictive. The FAA has responded by giving what some consider "absurd arguments," with one of their primary justifications being that SpaceX frequently changes its mission plans. According to the FAA, each flight of Starship has unique mission parameters, which means "previous licenses are no longer in effect," thus requiring SpaceX to modify and seek new licenses for approval. This ongoing regulatory friction highlights a deeper issue: the FAA's apparent discomfort with SpaceX’s iterative and fast-paced approach to innovation. Starship, much like any rocket in its developmental phase, "needs to constantly change to achieve new strides." This process of iteration is essential not only for Starship but for any cutting-edge aerospace technology. By repeatedly insisting that SpaceX stick to rigid licensing protocols, the FAA appears to be stifling progress. For instance, the agency has suggested that SpaceX can proceed if the company simply "keeps the same missions as in Flight 4," which would involve landing the stages in the ocean. SpaceX's Solution To Launch Starship Without FAA Landing on the Sea! However, there are several drawbacks to this approach. "This method will take some time to move to the mainland" and introduces risks during transport. It also runs counter to SpaceX's goal of reusing Starship and Super Heavy "daily," as Elon Musk has envisioned. Additionally, given the sheer size and power of Starship, the droneships required would "need to be larger and more durable" than those currently used for Falcon, to withstand both the immense thrust of the rocket and the unpredictable conditions of the ocean. Finally, landing on a droneship would require SpaceX to "redesign Starship and Super Heavy to add landing legs," a feature that had previously been removed as part of the plan to catch the booster with the Mechazilla Arm.

Bill Ryan

11th October 2024, 19:46

ExomatrixTV

11th October 2024, 20:09

SpaceX About To Launch Next Starship! Here's All You Need To Know About Flight 5, October 13th, 2024:

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SpaceX is launching its flight 5 Starship! SpaceX reveals that the target launch date for Starship's fifth flight is October 13th, 2024 over a month earlier than expected! SpaceX releases the timeline for the new launch as ground Crews hurry to prepare the hardware! I give you the complete rundown of what to expect during flight 5! SpaceX has completed its salvage missions of booster 11 as more boosters prepare for flight! And yet another block 2 Starship has been spotted!

How SpaceX Will CATCH A Rocket From Space!:

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The 5th full stack flight of Starship will be absolutely ridiculous! SpaceX is attempting to catch Starship’s Super Heavy booster, out of the sky after it's flown to space, with a giant robotic tower. Today we’ll go over the hardware involved, the flight profile, what exactly we can expect and perhaps most importantly, WHY SpaceX is trying to catch the largest rocket ever built in the first place.

Bill Ryan

11th October 2024, 22:02

SpaceX has announced that Starship's 5th suborbital flight test could launch as soon as Sunday October 13, pending regulatory approval.

"Pending regulatory approval" is obviously quite an important caveat. :) But all the indications at Starbase are that SpaceX really is preparing to launch on that day or very soon after. Watch this space for more definitive news.Minutes after my post above, SpaceX issued this tweet:

The text:
Starship stacked ahead of its fifth flight test. We expect regulatory approval in time to fly on October 13.
https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1844829865587114350
1844829865587114350

Bill Ryan

12th October 2024, 10:39

It really does seem that the long-awaited launch may be tomorrow, approx. 24 hours from now. Tim Dodd, on his Everyday Astronaut (https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAstronaut/streams) channel — who's very well connected, has regular personal contact with Elon Musk and knows what's going on — has already announced his early morning livestream.

As many readers will know, the hopeful plan is to catch the booster in mid-air(!) as it returns to the launch tower. If this actually happens (whether or not the catch is successful!), it may be one of the post spectacular scenes in space flight history.

(However! The default plan is still to land the booster in the Gulf of Mexico, and only if everything is 100% optimal will they fly the booster back to Starbase to be caught. :fingers crossed:)

Watch SpaceX try to Catch a Rocket from Space!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIKI7y3DTXk

ExomatrixTV

12th October 2024, 23:04

🔴 LIVE: Starship Stakeout - SpaceX Launches Starship for the Fifth Time

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Leading up to the launch, NSF will go live with eight hours of commentary stakeout, where we answer questions, observe, and provide you with everything you need to know, for Starship Flight 5.

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Starbase Live: 24/7 Starship & Super Heavy Development From SpaceX's Boca Chica Facility:

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HISTORY WILL BE MADE TODAY :popcorn:
cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

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Did You See Them

13th October 2024, 12:58

Just a proof of concept .. or one of the most amazing technological achievements of the human race.
Well done to SpaceX.

ExomatrixTV

13th October 2024, 16:41

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Amazing :clapping:

What SpaceX & Elon Just Did Shocked The Cali's Gov... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2tW-XDsZEw)

Bill Ryan

13th October 2024, 19:41

https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1845446365717156265
1845446365717156265Amazing :clapping:~~~

Amazing indeed, almost hard to believe. If you see just one video of the booster catch, this is as spectacular as any, the action just 30 seconds long. :muscle:
(Watch it on full screen! :))

Bill Ryan

13th October 2024, 20:26

Another short video, nearly as amazing but even more fun, as seen by the crowd of spectators on the beach a couple of miles away. Listen to the onlookers go bananacrackers as the catch works perfectly. :)

https://x.com/shaunmmaguire/status/1845444890764644694
1845444890764644694

ExomatrixTV

14th October 2024, 00:48

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space.com/spacex-starship-flight-5-launch-super-heavy-booster-catch-success-video (https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-flight-5-launch-super-heavy-booster-catch-success-video)

SpaceX Starship Flight 5 Catch Explained! Yes, finally it happened!:

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quote: "Ok, so, I’m still not sure if I’m dreaming or not, but this just happened. Like… what!? Yes indeed, I have the SpaceX Starship Flight 5 Catch Explained! Yes, finally it happened! All of the prep work over the past few years all came down to this. All of that culminating in something this absolute spectacle of the fifth full stack Starship once again flying freely! And yes your eyes do not deceive you, SpaceX managed to catch the super heavy booster on the very first attempt. We’ve got a bunch to talk about today."

mountain_jim

14th October 2024, 13:42

https://x.com/TheWakeninq/status/1845800161827598595

1845800161827598595

“Elon in 3 days: And of course this platform X (liberals, left-wing media, and corrupt governments often call Elon Musk a threat to the world on X 😂).

This man is a genius 👏🏼.”

— 1776 (@TheWakeninq) October 14, 2024

https://x.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1845836504729276793

1845836504729276793

Wall Street Silver
@WallStreetSilv
Elon 3 years ago in an interview describing catching the rocket booster with chop sticks.

“This probably won’t work the first time”

Mark (Star Mariner)

14th October 2024, 14:42

Forgive me for crashing this thread with my predictably cynical take (which applies to almost everything these days), but I couldn't resist making this meme.

For me, it says it all.

53938

ExomatrixTV

14th October 2024, 16:08

SpaceX takes a quantum leap forward! But this is what you're NOT hearing about Flight 5!:

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Yesterday's Starship Flight 5 was historic on many levels! But in the morass of identical press coverage, is there something we're missing?
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Bill Ryan

14th October 2024, 18:53

Yesterday's Starship Flight 5 was historic on many levels! But in the morass of identical press coverage, is there something we're missing?Yes, it was a (small) methane leak, very possibly planned venting. Not an elephant. :) Nothing that SpaceX will be worried about, and fix (if necessary) very easily.

ExomatrixTV

15th October 2024, 15:19

SpaceX Finally Catches Starship Booster! But How well Did It ACTUALLY Do?

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If you look carefully the 3,675,000 Kg super heavy booster rocket is carried by on 4 short arms sticking out that rocket that had a severe beating when returning from space to earth again. The temperatures & pressure are so high and still relying on those 4 short arms carrying 3.675 Million Kg (3,675 Tons!) is a complete mystery to me. Beyond amazing! (Average car weight is 2 Tons).

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

update mystery

The dry weight is in the 160-200 ton range. There's not much fuel left when they are catching it. And it's seated on the launch mount before fueling. I don't think those arms are ever asked to lift anything approaching 3000 tons.

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mountain_jim

15th October 2024, 16:12

https://x.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1846064676297199825

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This is not a movie, this is real life.

On board POV of the super heavy booster landing back at the tower.

🔊 … sound on

— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) October 15, 2024

https://x.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1846066473409683733

1846066473409683733

Wall Street Silver
@WallStreetSilv
It took a lot of practice attempts for SpaceX to learn how to land rocket boosters.

They make it look easy now. But it wasn’t always so.

ExomatrixTV

16th October 2024, 13:26

Elon Musk Just Exposed What FAA Lied About Starship After Successful Flight 5!:

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Elon Musk Just Exposed What FAA Lied About Starship After Successful Flight 5!
===
intro 0:00
Elon Musk’s tweet 0:27
Falcon 9 6:10
outro 9:32

00:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdMAxJ5U2Mw&t=13s) SpaceX successfully launched Starship flight 5 despite regulatory challenges, highlighting ongoing issues with bureaucratic hurdles in aerospace innovation.
01:51 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdMAxJ5U2Mw&t=111s) FAA's approval without investigation after Starship flight 5 signals progress in regulatory relations, potentially easing future SpaceX launches.
05:47 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdMAxJ5U2Mw&t=347s) SpaceX plans to sue FAA over regulatory overreach, citing political motives behind delays and licensing challenges.
06:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdMAxJ5U2Mw&t=419s) SpaceX's Falcon 9 cleared by FAA to resume flights after investigation into the crew 9 mission anomaly, preparing for upcoming missions including the Europa Clipper launch

SpaceX overcame regulatory hurdles to successfully launch Starship flight 5, showcasing innovation amidst bureaucratic challenges.
FAA's approval without investigation post Starship flight 5 marks potential easing of regulatory friction for future SpaceX missions.
SpaceX intends to sue FAA for alleged regulatory overreach and political bias, aiming to improve future licensing processes.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 cleared by FAA after investigation into crew 9 anomaly, set for missions like Europa Clipper, advancing space exploration.

NASA Just Declared This After Spacex Flight 5 1St Tower Catch & Targeted Landing Ship
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NASA just declared this after SpaceX Flight 5 1st tower CATCH & targeted landing ship
Among the many space agencies closely monitoring SpaceX’s every move, none are more significant than NASA, the largest aerospace organization in the United States.
With the launch of Starship Flight 5, NASA was once again the first to respond to SpaceX's spectacular success.

But what exactly did NASA declare about SpaceX’s historic first mid-air Starship catch? And is NASA becoming increasingly dependent on SpaceX?

As with previous launches, shortly after the successful and flawless launch of Starship Flight 5, Bill Nelson quickly congratulated the entire SpaceX team. “Congratulations to SpaceX on its successful booster catch and fifth Starship flight test today! As we prepare to go back to the Moon under Artemis, continued testing will prepare us for the bold missions that lie ahead -- including to the South Pole region of the Moon and then on to Mars.”

NASA just declared this after SpaceX Flight 5 1st tower CATCH & targeted landing ship. This congratulation was more than just words of praise; it served as an inspiration to the entire space community, highlighting SpaceX's victory and promising ambitious goals in space exploration.

After that, Elon Musk responded to the NASA Administrator's wishes: “Thank you, sir! Looking forward to serving NASA in returning humanity to the Moon."

We can see that the relationship between SpaceX and NASA is strong. If we cannot pinpoint the exact reason why the FAA suddenly approved the launch license sooner than expected, the most plausible explanation is NASA’s support and push.

NASA just declared this after SpaceX Flight 5 1st tower CATCH & targeted landing ship. Clearly, NASA, a government agency, is heavily reliant on SpaceX. They may say they want more options, but in reality, only SpaceX is the most suitable company, and it's hard to find another organization that can replace them.

A prime example of this is the Commercial Crew Program. Boeing's Starliner was intended to be a second option that NASA hoped would succeed. However, not everyone can innovate and progress as quickly as SpaceX. Boeing’s management, organizational structure, staff capabilities, and culture have been the subject of internal controversy within the company. As a result, even Starliner’s first crewed flight had to rely on SpaceX’s Dragon to rescue astronauts stranded on the ISS.

Another area where NASA's reliance on SpaceX is evident is with the Starship lunar lander for the Artemis mission, a project of national significance for the U.S.

NASA is investing around $4 billion in this program, intending to use Starship to return astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis mission. The agency plans to explore the Moon’s South Pole, which has a rugged terrain with mountains, craters, and low-angle lighting, requiring spacecraft to land in precisely identified areas. NASA has already identified 13 flat locations near resources, such as water.

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Booster 12 Gets Hero's Return for Post Catch Inspections! | SpaceX Boca Chica:

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0:00 SpaceX Boca Chica
1:48 Hot Staging Ring Impact
1:58 Booster 12 Hanging Out
2:38 Booster Transport Stand Moved
2:57 Booster QD Opened
3:10 Booster 12 Lowered
3:28 BQD Closed
3:36 Booster 12 Centered on Chopsticks
3:43 Booster 12 Placed on the OLM
3:57 LOX Frost Line Lowering
4:08 Party at the Production Site
4:39 Booster Stand Rolled to Launch Site
4:57 Chine Damage
5:38 Top of Booster 12
6:40 Booster 12’s Engines
6:49 Booster FTS Explosives Uninstalled
7:18 Dancefloor Returns
7:48 Booster 12 Lifted off the OLM
9:11 Booster 12 Rolled Back
10:36 Booster 16 Barrels at Mega Bay 1

ExomatrixTV

17th October 2024, 11:26

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source (https://twitter.com/JohnKuhles1966/status/1846874674862456972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1846874674862456972%7Ctwgr% 5E4b6f248d8ab37cc7ace77e290310393da25a2e81%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fprojectavalon.net%2Fforum4%2Fshowthread.php%3F122463-UFOlogy-UAP-Developments-So-Far...-2024-2025)

Bill Ryan

17th October 2024, 12:51

What is that "saucer shaped" object near the booster 6:38 onward in the video? It's the discarded hot staging ring. :)

mountain_jim

19th October 2024, 13:26

https://x.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1847416444234895523

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SpaceX has been awarded contracts for eight launches under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command announced Oct. 18.

The contracts worth $733.5 million span seven missions for the Space Development Agency…

— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) October 18, 2024

ExomatrixTV

21st October 2024, 02:33

Elon Musk Reveals NEW UPDATE of Starship's Forward Flap DESIGN After Launch 5:

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Elon Musk Reveals NEW UPDATE of Starship's Forward Flap DESIGN After Launch 5. As we dive into SpaceX’s rapid development journey, one thing stands out above all—speed. Speed in innovation, speed in execution. This pace is driven by the company’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Following the successful catch of the Super Heavy booster, SpaceX wasted no time and immediately started discussing new versions of Starship, each packed with upgrades that promise to enhance its already impressive capabilities. From new catching mechanisms to groundbreaking designs, the next evolution of Starship is already on the horizon. In this episode, we’ll explore the new upgrades SpaceX has planned for Starship and examine how these improvements will impact the future of space exploration. Elon Musk Reveals NEW UPDATE of Starship's Forward Flap DESIGN After Launch 5. Now, let’s turn our attention to the recent test flights. The S30 prototype played a pivotal role in Flight 5’s success, showcasing impressive advancements. But as is often the case with cutting-edge technology, there’s still room for improvement. So, what exactly can we expect from the next generation of Starship? In the recent test flight, the S30 prototype was pivotal to the success of Flight 5, working in tandem with the B12 booster. Thanks to improvements in the heat shield system, S30 performed admirably throughout most of its journey, opening up exciting possibilities for full-catching attempts in the future. Elon Musk Reveals NEW UPDATE of Starship's Forward Flap DESIGN After Launch 5. However, as with all cutting-edge technology, there are still some challenges to overcome. Toward the end of the flight, the flap joint experienced burns, though less severe than in previous tests. This indicates that while design upgrades have already proven beneficial, further refinements are still needed. Since the V1 prototypes are near completion, implementing drastic changes to the current design would be difficult at this stage. This is where the focus shifts to the V2 versions, which will incorporate more significant upgrades.

ExomatrixTV

21st October 2024, 16:29

A Closer Look At Starship's Upper Stage Landing:

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It's now been a few days since Starship Integrated Flight Test 5 and SpaceX just released ground footage of the ship's landing. While not very long, for the first time since some of the original Starship upper-stage flight tests, we got a view of the bellyflop, flip, and splashdown in the ocean.

With this, we get a much better idea of the accuracy of the landing along with how it performed and held up after Earth reentry.

ExomatrixTV

22nd October 2024, 23:53

SpaceX Starship Flight 6 within 4 weeks! Let's do the Checklist!:

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SpaceX rushes to repair the pad ahead of flight 6 in less than a month. Can they make it? New footage reveals what happened to Starship during its Landing, and it's spectacular! Yet another booster begins Construction as SpaceX starts to run out of room. Vast shows off its next space station, and it looks like Starship may be a big part of it!

Flight 6 on 11-11-2024?

DfwA3qMzsfo

ExomatrixTV

25th October 2024, 14:34

Elon Musk just officially declared NEW launchpad design to prevent the DAMAGED:

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Elon Musk just officially declared NEW launchpad design to prevent the DAMAGED... The recent return of Super Heavy left the world in awe, realizing: Oh, a launch pad can do something like that. That’s when we truly start paying attention to SpaceX’s Launch Pad. But in the future, as countless similar miraculous moments repeat themselves, SpaceX will undoubtedly need a more powerful launch pad. And that’s exactly what Elon Musk recently revealed about a new insane Launch Pad. Let’s find out on today’s episode of Alpha Tech: As we know, SpaceX’s current Starship launch pad has undergone unimaginable destruction before taking on its present appearance. Indeed, who would recognize this as the launch pad that has served Starship through its test flights? I still can’t believe my eyes when comparing the past launch pad to its state after Starship's fifth launch. Elon Musk just officially declared NEW launchpad design to prevent the DAMAGED... However, that doesn’t mean that SpaceX’s current launch pad (Launch Pad A) is considered stable, as refurbishment still takes a significant amount of time and effort for SpaceX, and this is not the ultimate goal of Elon Musk for rapid rocket turnaround. Because of this, the new engineering project being constructed nearby has completely abandoned the old launch pad design and replaced it with a new one. Not only is it new, but it’s also capable of withstanding far greater power than the combined thrust of 33 Raptor 2 engines, as Elon Musk stated in an announcement on X: “The new launch pad is already designed for the 10,000 tons of thrust version, which is almost exactly 3 times more powerful than the Saturn V Moon rocket” Elon Musk just officially declared NEW launchpad design to prevent the DAMAGED... Indeed, it’s clear that SpaceX is progressing steadily in the development of Starship rockets. There is no reason for them to stop now, and currently, SpaceX teams and Elon Musk are accelerating the research and development of new Starship versions. The latest version being built is Starship V2, which stands at 124.4 meters, 3.1 meters taller than the original version. This means the total thrust of the Super Heavy booster must also be improved to 8,240 tons. However, even when Starship V2 exerts its full force on the launch pad, it still won’t be the limit of what this new launch pad can endure. That’s because SpaceX plans to develop Starship V3, which will stand at a towering 150 meters and generate a thrust of 10,000 tons, the highest of any rocket ever built. This could explain why the old system is no longer suitable, and a new system is required that can handle every launch without causing damage to the ground infrastructure.

0:00 Intro
0:36 New LaunchPad
4:52 This hinders SpaceX's development
8:30 The end of the video report

ExomatrixTV

29th October 2024, 18:48

SpaceX finally gives out HUGE Starship Flight 5 news!:

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We're getting close! SpaceX reveals new information about booster 12s catch, and you won't believe how close they were to disaster! Booster 13 rolls back after its static fire campaign; what's left before flight six? Is SpaceX about to fly its first Starship with Payload? And New Glenn gets its engines. What's left before it can fly?
25ypmxFrSYo

ExomatrixTV

31st October 2024, 18:35

How SpaceX's Recent Launch Could Revolutionize Space Travel:

7sHHVJz9hRQ
SpaceX has been making headlines in recent months for pulling off the impossible. We all saw the stunning pictures of a rocket returning to its launch platform vertically, but few have broken down just how incredible this event was in history. In this episode, we attempt to do that.

Sources and Notes (SpaceX Makes History):

planetary.org/space-policy/sts-program-development-cost (https://www.planetary.org/space-policy/sts-program-development-cost#:~:text=How%20Much%20Did%20it%20Cost%20to%20Create%20the,out%20the%20shuttle's%20production%2C% 20launch%2C%20and%20processing%20facilities)
nationalgeographic.com/science/article/spacex-first-reused-rocket-space-science (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/spacex-first-reused-rocket-space-science)
space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-demo-2-mission-photos.html (https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-demo-2-mission-photos.html)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_first-stage_boosters (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_first-stage_boosters)
ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20200001093 (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20200001093)
wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Starship_launches (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Starship_launches)
inverse.com/heres-how-spacexs-chopsticks-caught-a-rocket (https://www.inverse.com/heres-how-spacexs-chopsticks-caught-a-rocket)
teslarati.com/spacex-super-heavy-booster-5-grid-fin-installation (https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-super-heavy-booster-5-grid-fin-installation/)
space.com/spacex-starship-flight-5-launch-super-heavy-booster-catch-success-video (https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-flight-5-launch-super-heavy-booster-catch-success-video)
spacecuriosity.com/how-spacex-rockets-lands-autonomously/ (https://www.spacecuriosity.com/how-spacex-rockets-lands-autonomously/)
escholarship.org/content/qt1v52510jqt1v52510j_noSplash_5520bcceb2fb5865c2a959e3d45d7acd.pdf (https://escholarship.org/content/qt1v52510j/qt1v52510j_noSplash_5520bcceb2fb5865c2a959e3d45d7acd.pdf?t=qk41a6#:~:text=The%20study%20demonstrated %20that%20the,by%2064%25%20(2)
wayfinder.privateer.com (https://wayfinder.privateer.com/)
bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-56845104 (https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-56845104)
bbc.com/news/world-australia-62414438 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-62414438)
pace.com/european-space-agency-space-environment-report (https://www.space.com/european-space-agency-space-environment-report)

ExomatrixTV

1st November 2024, 17:04

SpaceX finally updates most important component for Starship Flight 6!

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It's Go time! The countdown for flight 6 begins as teams race to complete final preparations, and it seems the ship is finally getting some attention. Booster 12 rolls to the rocket garden; will they scrap it?! Ship 33 undergoes its first contest; how did it go? And Boeing loses a satellite.

What Florida's gov just did is a big solution for SpaceX & Elon after Cali's gov...:

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What Florida's gov just did is a big solution for SpaceX & Elon after Cali's gov...

0:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=0s)-0:26 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=26s): Intro

0:27 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=27s)-3:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=192s): SpaceX & Cali’gov

3:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=193s)-5:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=356s): Florida’s gov

5:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=357s)-6:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=400s): Great launch site

6:41 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=401s)-9:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSs575xRiVc&t=580s): But challenges

What Florida's gov just did is a big solution for SpaceX & Elon after Cali's gov... As California shuts its doors on SpaceX's ambitious launch plans, where can they find the next promised land for their space missions? Honestly, nowhere could be more ideal than Florida’s coast! Yeah, what Florida’s gov just did is a major solution for SpaceX after facing pushback from California's gov over increasing launch counts. Let’s find out on today’s episode of Alpha Tech: The relationship between SpaceX and the California Coastal Commission is becoming increasingly tense. The cause lies in the Commission's opposition to a plan by SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force to increase rocket launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base to up to 50 per year. In response, Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against the Commission, arguing that their decision was based on an unacceptable reason: his political comments on the X platform. What Florida's gov just did is a big solution for SpaceX & Elon after Cali's gov... This move appears to be based on personal bias, lacking consideration for the country’s broader interests. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom—who rarely aligns with Musk—remarked, “I’m with Elon,” at a campaign event for Harris/Walz in North Carolina. Moreover, this week, Elon Musk and SpaceX received further attention from Washington. Congressman Vince Fong wrote his own letter to the CCC: “I have grave concerns over their decision, with commissioners citing personal animus to justify what should have been a non-political decision. As a member of Congress, I believe that government decisions should be made in a fair and impartial manner, without regard to political views. “In all my years in public service, I have never heard of a commission discussing politics as the basis for official action. This seems to be an egregious use of political discrimination to punish a specific company.” With pressure coming from both the state and federal levels now, and from both parties, the CCC has remained quiet on the issue. Even worse for the CCC is that many other lawmakers will likely be supporting Musk’s lawsuit after Election Day. What Florida's gov just did is a big solution for SpaceX & Elon after Cali's gov... “I can’t say who, but I do know of others here in Sacramento who will be writing to the CCC as well once elections are done with,” Dana, a Capitol staffer told the Globe on Thursday. “I know Newsom did it, but many don’t want to be seen supporting Musk publicly, even if it is just for SpaceX launches, until after the election. It’s why you haven’t seen other Democrats go after the CCC decision yet and so many Republicans who have. “And remember here, it’s because why some of the Commissioners said no to the launches. They made it personal. You cannot make decisions on a personal level. That’s why lawyers and lawmakers recuse themselves from things they have a personal stake in or are related to somebody there or something like that.”

ExomatrixTV

7th November 2024, 02:18

New Starship flight announced with new objectives and a LATER time!:

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NEXT FLIGHT: NOVEMBER 18, 2024

SpaceX announced their targeting the next flight of Starship for Monday, November 18th. And, this time the launch window will be in the afternoon, which is a first! Launch window opens at 4 pm local time (Cental) with a 30 minute window. Why so much later in the day? This will allow us to see the ship flip and burning landing in daylight. Also new for flight 6, SpaceX will attempt an in-space burn using a single Raptor engine, further demonstrating the capabilities required to conduct a ship deorbit burn prior to orbital missions. And, the headliner, we will likely see another Mechazilla booster catch! So buckle up, and get ready!

ExomatrixTV

8th November 2024, 19:04

SpaceX finally gives out the ONE news we want to hear about Starship flight 6!:

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SpaceX's sixth flight of Starship is soon! What's left to do? The next Starship to fly appears to be missing some tiles, but why? We have a flight 6 launch date! A new inside look into the Fish and Wildlife Service reveals something surprising about where they get their information from, and it's not what you'd expect. And Falcon 9 breaks even more records, while Starship is more and more heavily copied internationally!

ExomatrixTV

10th November 2024, 23:56

SpaceX Just Announced The Starship Launch Happening On Monday November 18th, 2024!:

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This has to be the shortest turnaround time SpaceX has managed between Starship launches! The minimum wait so far was between Flight 3 and Flight 4, where they waited around three months. But this time, SpaceX surprised everyone by announcing the next Starship launch just weeks after Flight 5. We’re here to dive into the exact date for Flight 6 and cover some critical details about what’s coming up. Before we delve any deeper, please make sure to subscribe to our channel for future updates about Starship and SpaceX’s other groundbreaking achievements. SpaceX is now preparing for the sixth test flight of its Starship vehicle, aiming for a launch as early as Monday, November 18, 2024. The sixth flight will build on the successes and lessons from previous missions. One of the main objectives for this flight is booster recovery. Similar to the fifth flight, the Super Heavy booster will attempt to return to the launch site and be caught by the "chopstick" arms of the launch and catch tower at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas. This maneuver is essential for achieving rapid reusability of the launch system, which is core to SpaceX’s mission of making space travel cost-effective and sustainable. Another objective is to test in-space engine reignition. The Starship upper stage will attempt to reignite a Raptor engine while in space, a test that is vital for demonstrating the vehicle's capability to perform deorbit burns required for future orbital missions. In addition to booster recovery and engine reignition, the flight will feature heat shield experiments. This test includes using new thermal protection materials and configurations, with sections of the heat shield intentionally left without tiles to assess the performance of alternative materials. These tests are key for understanding how Starship can better withstand the harsh conditions of reentry and refine its heat shield design. The final main objective is reentry maneuvering. The Starship will reenter the atmosphere at a steeper angle of attack compared to previous flights, aiming to test the limits of its flaps and control systems during descent. To ensure Flight 6 is ready for launch, SpaceX has conducted several critical tests leading up to this mission. On September 18, 2024, SpaceX performed a static fire test of the Starship upper stage, designated Ship 31, at their Starbase facility in South Texas. During this test, the six Raptor engines were briefly ignited to verify their performance and ensure readiness. The Super Heavy booster, designated Booster 13, has also undergone a series of static fires to validate the performance of its 33 Raptor engines and other systems. Looking back at the previous Starship test flights gives context for the upcoming mission. The inaugural flight, Flight 1 in April 2023, was the first integrated test of Starship and ended prematurely when the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly shortly after liftoff. Despite this outcome, the flight provided valuable data on the vehicle’s initial performance under real launch conditions. The second test flight in November 2023 showed improvement, achieving stage separation for the first time. However, both stages were destroyed during their return to Earth, leading to further investigations and design refinements.

Elon Musk's SpaceX Big Solution For NASA's NEW Station Problem and The ISS:

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0:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3jMTmxwDg&t=0s) Intro

0:37 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3jMTmxwDg&t=37s) New Starship Space Station
6:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3jMTmxwDg&t=374s) Direct competitor

8:58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG3jMTmxwDg&t=538s) China's competition

Elon Musk's SpaceX Big Solution For NASA's NEW Station Problem and The ISS... SpaceX is making significant strides with Starship, aiming to assist humanity in achieving crucial goals such as reaching the Moon or Mars. But did you know? Beyond these noble missions, Starship has the potential to serve as a space station. Sounds wild, right? However, this vision is increasingly coming into focus, especially as NASA’s current space stations face various limitations. So, what makes the Starship space station stand out from other commercial stations NASA has? What role might it fulfill for both NASA and SpaceX in the future? Let’s find out on today’s episode of Alpha Tech. Elon Musk's SpaceX Big Solution For NASA's NEW Station Problem and The ISS... The space race in the coming years will enter its most important stages when countries will continuously take bolder steps on important fronts like the Moon or Mars. The US is currently the country leading most races, but it seems they are facing an extremely urgent problem, the ISS's upcoming retirement. It can be said that the space station is considered a crucial element to all US space strategies and it would be a great disadvantage for them if they lost this support. So in the last operational years of the ISS, the task of NASA and other companies will be to create at least one space station that can replace this legendary space station. Elon Musk's SpaceX Big Solution For NASA's NEW Station Problem and The ISS... To achieve that goal, NASA awarded many contracts to private companies to build the new space station. Most recently, they announced the Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities-2 (CCSC-2) initiative that included seven US private companies. Among these, SpaceX's project attracts a lot of attention because it has many differences compared to the other projects. So what are those differences? Well, unlike other stations, SpaceX plans to build a space station based on its largest vehicle, Starship. Starship has long been designed with a vast interior space capable of carrying up to 100 people to Mars on each mission.

ExomatrixTV

13th November 2024, 01:37

Get ready for Starship Flight 6 - SpaceX's incredible NEXT launch explained!:

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It's happening! SpaceX has announced Starship Flight 6 for November 18th! Today, we’ll dedicate an entire episode to what you can expect from this flight! What will be different? Will SpaceX push the boundaries of what’s possible further, and most importantly, will they prepare for orbit with this flight?

ExomatrixTV

13th November 2024, 15:45

Starship S31 Moved for Monday Launch! WHY SpaceX REMOVED Its HEATSHIELD Tiles?:

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Starship S31 Moved for Monday Launch! WHY SpaceX REMOVED Its HEATSHIELD Tiles? What’s on the agenda for Flight 6? The flight timeline has been released, revealing a significant update: a new heatshield, marking a major milestone for the future of Starship. Meanwhile, any health concerns for the Starliner astronauts have been cleared, with their health officially confirmed as stable. If you’re ready, let’s dive into it all on today’s episode of Great SpaceX! Starship S31 Moved for Monday Launch! WHY SpaceX REMOVED Its HEATSHIELD Tiles? As we mentioned in the last episode, Flight 6 is now right around the corner! True to earlier predictions, this upcoming flight will feature significant updates in Starship’s progress, including a crucial new task: reigniting the engine in space—a test essential for future missions involving orbital refueling and long-range trips to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But that’s not all; there’s an equally critical aspect being tested this time—S31’s heatshields won’t be fully installed. According to SpaceX, “several thermal protection experiments and operational changes will test the limits of Starship’s capabilities and generate flight data to inform plans for ship catch and reuse.” The heat shield configuration on this flight is a major shift, and SpaceX will use it to assess new secondary thermal protection materials. Notably, entire sections of heat shield tiles have been intentionally left off on both sides of the Ship in key areas under study for catch-enabling hardware on future vehicles. Starship S31 Moved for Monday Launch! WHY SpaceX REMOVED Its HEATSHIELD Tiles? These tile-free areas are located around the forward flap, where images show the heat shield absent near the body’s connection to the flap. This change could support new catch hardware—possibly functioning similarly to a lifting point, as a primary or secondary support for the catch process. Imagine a foldable system that could flexibly open and close, simplifying integration with the Chopsticks for a smoother and more secure catch maneuver. SpaceX has hinted that there could be additional zones with similar configurations, possibly further down the Ship. It’s a fascinating setup that may provide essential insights into materials and designs for future fully reusable Starships. As SpaceX continues to refine Starship, these tests will help shape the path to reliable reusability and frequent, cost-effective launches.

ExomatrixTV

16th November 2024, 00:24

SpaceX's Starship is about to make History! Here's what will happen!:

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Are you ready?! Starship's sixth flight is scheduled to launch on Monday, but SpaceX still needs to finish many things before that can happen. Pad B is rapidly approaching completion; it will be a game-changer! Starship’s launch cadence for 2025 is ramping up fast. How much exactly will this already change the industry? Blue Origin is finally ready to Launch. And even more people are entering the reusability game, with some of them appearing to have copied others' homework.

ExomatrixTV

18th November 2024, 17:16

What SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell just declared before the Starship Flight 6 launch is mind-blowing!:

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What SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell just declared before the Starship Flight 6 launch is mind-blowing!

0:00: Intro
0:26: Shotwell said about…
8:16: Elon Musk's vision

What SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell just declared before the Starship Flight 6 launch is mind-blowing! As the launch of Starship Flight 6 draws near, exciting new revelations continue to surface about this monumental spacecraft. In a series of impactful announcements, SpaceX's president Gwynne Shotwell has made groundbreaking statements poised to shape the future of the Starship program. These bold visions promise to ignite the most profound revolution in the nearly 70-year journey of space exploration.

What SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell just declared before the Starship Flight 6 launch is mind-blowing! Let’s dive into the details on today’s episode of Alpha Tech:

What SpaceX leaders revealed about Starship is undoubtedly fascinating, but first, we need to address an important update: the launch schedule for Starship Flight 6 has been slightly adjusted.

On the morning of November 16, SpaceX’s official X account announced a rescheduled launch for Starship Flight 6, moving it from November 18 to November 19:
“Targeting Tuesday, November 19 for Starship’s sixth flight test. A 30-minute launch window opens at 4:00 p.m. CT.”

So, is there an issue with Starship?

What SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell just declared before the Starship Flight 6 launch is mind-blowing! Well, don’t worry too much. Gwynne Shotwell had already mentioned a potential shift in the launch date during her speech at the 31st Annual Baron Investment Conference on November 15. While she didn’t specify the exact reason for the delay, regular followers of live streams might at Starbase notice there doesn’t seem to be any major issues with Starship or the Super Heavy booster. The likely delay reason is to allow the teams a bit more time to ensure optimal performance.

Now, SpaceX has a three-day window for Flight 6, spanning November 18, 19, and 20, as per the road closures announced. So, even if the launch moves to November 20, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The more important consideration here is ensuring every step of the launch process is carried out meticulously. This flight marks a significant milestone in the Starship program’s development, signaling the end of its first version and paving the way for a more powerful and advanced rocket in the future.

ExomatrixTV

19th November 2024, 11:49

https://sxcontent9668.azureedge.us/cms-assets/assets/Flight_6_Website_Desktop_3_057a8eda43.jpg (https://sxcontent9668.azureedge.us/cms-assets/assets/Flight_6_Website_Desktop_3_057a8eda43.jpg)

to enlarge above picture click on me (https://sxcontent9668.azureedge.us/cms-assets/assets/Flight_6_Website_Desktop_3_057a8eda43.jpg)

The sixth flight test of Starship is targeted to launch Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The 30-minute launch window will open at 4:00 p.m. CT.

A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app. As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to check in here and stay tuned to our X account for updates.

Starship’s fifth flight test was a seminal moment in iterating towards a fully and rapidly reusable launch system. On the first attempt, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch site and was caught by the chopstick arms of the launch and catch tower at Starbase. Starship’s upper stage went on to demonstrate several improvements, resulting in a controlled entry and high accuracy splashdown at the targeted area in the Indian Ocean.

The next Starship flight test aims to expand the envelope on ship and booster capabilities and get closer to bringing reuse of the entire system online. Objectives include the booster once again returning to the launch site for catch, reigniting a ship Raptor engine while in space, and testing a suite of heatshield experiments and maneuvering changes for ship reentry and descent over the Indian Ocean.

The success of the first catch attempt demonstrated the design feasibility while providing valuable data to continue improving hardware and software performance. Hardware upgrades for this flight add additional redundancy to booster propulsion systems, increase structural strength at key areas, and shorten the timeline to offload propellants from the booster following a successful catch. Mission designers also updated software controls and commit criteria for the booster’s launch and return.

Analogous to the fifth flight test, distinct vehicle and pad criteria must be met prior to a return and catch of the Super Heavy booster, which will require healthy systems on the booster and tower and a final manual command from the mission’s Flight Director. If this command is not sent prior to the completion of the boostback burn, or if automated health checks show unacceptable conditions with Super Heavy or the tower, the booster will default to a trajectory that takes it to a landing burn and soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. We accept no compromises when it comes to ensuring the safety of the public and our team, and the return will only take place if conditions are right.

The returning booster will slow down from supersonic speeds, resulting in audible sonic booms in the area around the landing zone. Generally, the only impact to those in the surrounding area of a sonic boom is the brief thunder-like noise with variables like weather and distance from the return site determining the magnitude experienced by observers.

Starship’s upper stage will fly the same suborbital trajectory as the previous flight test, with splashdown targeted in the Indian Ocean. An additional objective for this flight will be attempting an in-space burn using a single Raptor engine, further demonstrating the capabilities required to conduct a ship deorbit burn prior to orbital missions.

Several thermal protection experiments and operational changes will test the limits of Starship’s capabilities and generate flight data to inform plans for ship catch and reuse. The flight test will assess new secondary thermal protection materials and will have entire sections of heat shield tiles removed on either side of the ship in locations being studied for catch-enabling hardware on future vehicles. The ship also will intentionally fly at a higher angle of attack in the final phase of descent, purposefully stressing the limits of flap control to gain data on future landing profiles. Finally, adjusting the flight’s launch window to the late afternoon at Starbase will enable the ship to reenter over the Indian Ocean in daylight, providing better conditions for visual observations.

Future ships, starting with the vehicle planned for the seventh flight test, will fly with significant upgrades including redesigned forward flaps, larger propellant tanks, and the latest generation tiles and secondary thermal protection layers as we continue to iterate towards a fully reusable heat shield. Learnings from this and subsequent flight tests will continue to make the entire Starship system more reliable as we close in on full and rapid reusability.

source (https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-6)

ExomatrixTV

19th November 2024, 18:32

[4K] Starship Flight 6: Watch SpaceX Catch Super Heavy!:

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[TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE] This is the sixth fully integrated test flight of Starship with its Super Heavy booster, the largest and most powerful rocket to ever fly. It produces over twice as much thrust as the Saturn V that took humans to the moon.

The goal of the test is to get additional data while flying a similar flight as IFT-5 in October, 2024. If all goes well, Starship will re-enter in the Indian Ocean about 65 minutes after it lifts off from Starbase, TX, after performing a Raptor relight test and doing some heavier maneuvering during reentry. Perhaps even more exciting, SpaceX will be attempting to catch the Super Heavy booster with the launch tower again.

Elon Musk's Big Update on TODAY SpaceX Starship Launch 6: Excitement Guaranteed!:

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🔴LIVE: SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 6 (and Catches a Booster):

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SpaceX is preparing to launch the sixth Starship flight test. The window for the launch opens at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company has confirmed on its website, and X, that it is targeting a potential catch of the Super Heavy test vehicle, if flight parameters allow for it. SpaceX will also try to re-ignite a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities.

Window Opens: November 19th at 4PM CST (22:00 UTC)
Window Closes: November 19th at 4:30PM CST (22:30 UTC)

Mission: Starship's sixth fully integrated test flight
Launch location: Orbital Launch Pad A, Starbase, Earth.
Target orbit: Trans-atmospheric
Booster: Booster 13
Booster recovery: Orbital Launch Pad A launch tower arms
Ship: Ship 31
Ship recovery: Will attempt soft splashdown on the Indian Ocean
Rocket trajectory: Straight east over the Gulf of Mexico
Stats:
· SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th launch of the month.
· Starship's 6th launch
· 2nd Super Heavy recovery attempt

Bill Ryan

19th November 2024, 20:14

:bump:

Bumping this again. The sixth suborbital Starship launch is scheduled for just over 1 hour 45 minutes from now (4 pm US Eastern Time).

This is an afternoon launch (not early morning), a new thing intended to allow for spectacular daytime video of the Starship landing — vertically and slowly! — in the Indian Ocean. And the giant booster is planned to be caught in mid-air by the 'chopsticks' on the launch tower, just as last time, some 6 minutes after the actual launch.

ExomatrixTV

19th November 2024, 20:19

LIVE: SpaceX Starship Flight 6 from Starbase, TX!:

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ExomatrixTV

19th November 2024, 21:12

Happening Now: Trump to attend SpaceX Starship's latest test launch accompanied with Elon Musk:

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1.6 Million live viewers, now, rapid growing numbers.

source (https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1857622520154960080)

ExomatrixTV

20th November 2024, 02:52

What Exactly Happened On Starship's Sixth Launch Attempt?:

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After only 37 days since the last Starship launch, this afternoon we watched the sixth attempt, and it was very eventful. Due to the fact that this launch is set to be the last time we see a V1 Starship fly, the company made some final alterations to the flight profile and vehicle itself to gather as much data as possible before the switch to V2.

This included a more aggressive booster catch attempt, a steeper and therefore hotter ship reentry, a raptor relight in space, etc.

ExomatrixTV

20th November 2024, 23:30

REVEALED: The Reason SpaceX Didn't Catch the Starship Booster:

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1859333397505577105

source (https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1859333397505577105)

ExomatrixTV

24th November 2024, 00:02

Incredible New SpaceX Starship Flight 6 Info, and Great News from the FAA!?:

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So this has been another crazy week of action! Starship Flight Test 6 am I right? Well, we’ve got some wonderful new stuff to share on that, obviously. Incredible New SpaceX Starship Flight 6 Info/video, and potentially Great News from the FAA with the re-started revised draft tiered environmental assessment for Starbase. The future of this project is just wild and it has made many ask the question, do the rest of the players in the industry need to follow suit in order to stay relevant? On top of that, the always frantic pace of other missions launching off one after the other. What was happening monthly, then weekly, is now happening daily!
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SpaceX Flight 7 with BIGGER Starship V2 Launch This Year?!

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SpaceX Flight 7 with BIGGER Starship V2 Launch This Year?! No CATCHING... Attention! I know all eyes are on Flight 6 right now, but I’m here to tell you a major milestone is on the horizon. In Flight 7, we’ll witness the debut of the next generation of Starship—V2. S In their statement, SpaceX hinted at the upcoming changes, saying, “Future ships, starting with the vehicle planned for the seventh flight test, will fly with significant upgrades, including redesigned forward flaps, larger propellant tanks, and the latest generation tiles and secondary thermal protection layers as we continue to iterate towards a fully reusable heat shield.” Although they didn’t directly refer to it as V2, the details strongly suggest it. SpaceX Flight 7 with BIGGER Starship V2 Launch This Year?! No CATCHING... First, let’s look at the redesigned forward flaps—a defining feature of V2 compared to V1. After the flap damage observed in Flight 4, SpaceX outlined several changes, including smaller, sharper flaps. The joint connecting the flap to the Ship has been streamlined, and the forward flap will be positioned closer to the nose and leeward side of the Ship. These changes aim to enhance flap control during navigation and reduce stress and impact during re-entry. SpaceX Flight 7 with BIGGER Starship V2 Launch This Year?! No CATCHING... Next, images of S33, the first version of V2, reveal a slightly larger Ship body, with the payload door positioned higher, indicating an increase in fuel tank capacity. This expansion is crucial for Starship’s operational range, allowing it to carry more fuel to return to Starbase, support orbital refueling operations, and eventually venture beyond Earth orbit. Finally, significant upgrades to the heat shield will also be featured. Following Flight 4, SpaceX introduced a series of heat shield improvements starting with S30. This includes new, more durable tiles—potentially made of an enhanced material—that will increase resilience and move closer to full reusability. Given the thousands of tiles needed per flight, reusability is essential for lowering production demands. Additionally, the heat shield is backed by secondary protective layers, known as ablative layers, which provide added durability and comprehensive protection for the Ship. With all these upgrades, Starship V2 represents a major leap forward toward full reusability and extended mission capabilities.