A recent notice to sailors suggests that SpaceX might fly Starship again between May 13 and May 23. The company last tested its rocket in March but stayed quiet about plans. Both previous flights failed when the upper stage blew up after separating from the main booster. SpaceX wants to make several tests with this flight, such as trying out catch equipment and testing heat shield pieces. The second-generation rocket has new fuel systems and bigger tanks.
The company ran several tests on the upper stage in late April. First, they checked the tanks, then tested one engine the next day, and later fired all engines together. The full engine test looked less than perfect, ending with a blue light flashing. This test ran longer than usual, which suggests SpaceX might want to find out what went wrong with Flight 8. After these tests, workers moved the rocket back to production buildings.
SpaceX needs faster testing progress to show NASA fuel transfer in space this year. The company also plans to launch new satellites with Starship. The fuel system caused problems during Flight 7 when vibrations created fire in the engine area. SpaceX has not explained what happened during Flight 8.
The company ran several tests on the upper stage in late April. First, they checked the tanks, then tested one engine the next day, and later fired all engines together. The full engine test looked less than perfect, ending with a blue light flashing. This test ran longer than usual, which suggests SpaceX might want to find out what went wrong with Flight 8. After these tests, workers moved the rocket back to production buildings.
SpaceX needs faster testing progress to show NASA fuel transfer in space this year. The company also plans to launch new satellites with Starship. The fuel system caused problems during Flight 7 when vibrations created fire in the engine area. SpaceX has not explained what happened during Flight 8.
