What’s the story?
space x has successfully completed the cryogenic demonstration test of its upgraded super heavy booster, an important milestone for the next generation. starship flight. The achievement was announced by the company on social media, highlighting that this is the first time such an operation has been completed using a Super Heavy V3 booster. The multi-day campaign evaluated both the redesigned propellant system and the structural integrity of the new model.
The test campaign lasted for 6 days
The 237-foot-tall stainless steel Super Heavy V3 booster was rolled out of the Starbase factory. texasand was transported to the Massey test site for testing. The team first conducted pressure tests at ambient temperature, then filled the rocket with ultra-cold liquid nitrogen four times over six days. This simulated the cryogenic methane and liquid oxygen used in the propellant tanks on launch day.
SpaceX is preparing for Starship’s next flight
A successful cryogenic demonstration move SpaceX one step closer to launching the first test flight of an upgraded version of its massive Starship V3 rocket. The previous version, Starship V2, was launched five times last year, but the first three failed. However, the last two flights achieved SpaceX’s goals and led to the development of V3.
Booster 19 is back at the factory for modification
Booster 19 replaced the Super Heavy booster that failed during a pressure test in November. This new vehicle passed stress tests and is now returning to the factory for further modifications. Engineers will install 33 Raptor engines at the bottom of the rocket and install grid fins different from those on Starship V2.
What’s new in Starship V3?
The Raptor engine used in Starship V3 has been modified to be more powerful and more reliable. Piping and sensors are integrated into the main structure of the engine, eliminating the need for a separate heat shield between the engines at the base of the rocket and reducing weight. The new booster design also features three grid fins instead of four for better control during descent.
Hot staging ring is integrated into the rocket
The new Super Heavy Booster’s hot staging ring is now integrated with the rocket, allowing it to return to Earth and be reused. After acquiring the engine and grid fins, the super heavy booster is transported to the starbase launch pad. SpaceX’s launch team plans to fill 33 engines with methane and liquid oxygen for test combustion.
The upgraded Starship will also be tested at the Massey site
In addition to the Super Heavy booster, the first of SpaceX’s upgraded Starship vehicles will also be tested. Flying above the Super Heavy booster, this upper stage will be taken to the Massey test site for a unique cryogenic demonstration test campaign. Static combustion tests of six Raptor engines will also be conducted.