NASA claims SpaceX could launch a starship into orbit in December

November 01, 2022 By Omal J

(Image Credit Google)

If everything goes according to plan, Starship's maiden orbital test flight might happen the following month. Senior NASA official Mark Kirasich, who oversees the development of the Artemis moon program, revealed the details during a meeting of the NASA Advisory Council that was being streamed live. According to Kirasich, NASA is keeping an eye on four significant Starship missions. According to Reuters via Engadget, the first one is planned for the beginning of December. According to the predetermined arrangements established by SpaceX, the Starship spacecraft and it's Super Heavy rocket will launch from the Boca Chica location in Texas. NASA claims SpaceX could launch a starship into orbit in December

NASA claims SpaceX could launch a starship into orbit in December

The Starship spacecraft itself will reach orbit, then return to Earth's atmosphere, and finally make an ocean landing somewhere around Hawaii. The booster will separate from the Starship vehicle three minutes into the flight and land in the Gulf of Mexico. The first orbital test flight for Starship is scheduled to last for one hour and thirty minutes. SpaceX has been prepping for the Starship's first orbital mission since the middle of 2021, but the launch date continues to get postponed for a number of technical and legal factors. According to a statement made to Reuters by an FAA spokesman, the government would only grant a launch license to the company after receiving all required paperwork from SpaceX so the agency could properly review it. NASA claims SpaceX could launch a starship into orbit in December

Before the launch, SpaceX must complete and pass more tests, according to SpaceNews. All 33 Raptor engines that are attached to the Super Heavy rocket must undergo a static fire test as one of these tests. Propellers caught fire beneath the rocket in July while the Starship was undergoing a static fire evaluation, leading to the test's failure. The second effort, which happened in August, was successful. On the Super Heavy, however, SpaceX only utilized one Raptor engine. Engadget stated that the Starship must perform a full wet dress rehearsal in addition to the static fire test. This entails simulating a launch countdown with a rocket that is loaded with propellants without the rocket taking off.

By Omal J

I worked for both print and electronic media as a feature journalist. Writing, traveling, and DIY sum up her life.

NASA claims SpaceX could launch a starship into orbit in December

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