SpaceX tests the hexagonal heat shield of the ship. Starhopper tests could take place this week

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Milestones continue to come for SpaceX. After the recent successful test flight of the Dragon Crew capsule, another SpaceX company is about to reach its goal. The SpaceX Starhopper could have its first flight test this week.

SpaceX has not yet announced its intention to test the Starhopper, but all the clues show it. They informed nearby local residents at their launching center under construction, near Brownsville, Texas, to establish a "security zone perimeter" in coordination with the police.

As in many SpaceX activities, the tweets story tells the story. On March 16th, TJ Cooney tweeted this:

Then, on March 17th, Elon Musk announced us that the first tests of Starship Hopper would be done with a single Raptor engine.

Musk added to this anticipation by saying that the first test of Starship Hopper would not require a nasal puncture. The nasone was destroyed in high winds in January.

The first test of Starship Hopper will be a very short jump, executed while the spaceship is attached to the ground.

SpaceX also tests thermal shields

SpaceX develops special hexagonal heat shields to protect the Starship Hopper when it comes back. Musk recently tweeted this video showing shields heated at 1,650 degrees Kelvin (1376 C, 2500 F).

The tiles will be mounted on the main attack edge of the Starship Hopper, while the trailing edge will not feature tiles. They have a hexagonal shape for a reason. According to Musk, as they are hexagonal, there is "no way right for the hot gas to accelerate through the holes".

The transpiration cooling system is another feature designed to protect the spacecraft from the heat of re-entry. The system will only be installed on the hottest sections. It has microscopic pores on the outside that release water or methane that cools the surface. This will minimize the damage to the tiles themselves, which means that the spacecraft could be quickly prepared for another flight simply by filling the tanks with the cooling system.

The Starship is designed to carry eventually up to 100 people on Mars. It is powered by a massive power amplifier called "Super Heavy", but it will use the SpaceX Raptor engines for these test flights.

Artistic illustration of the SpaceX Starship being launched at the top of its Super Heavy propeller. Image Credit: SpaceX
Illustration by an artist of the SpaceX Starship being launched at the top of its Super Heavy propeller. Image Credit: SpaceX

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