Starship SN11 prepares for deployment as SpaceX projects the future

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Just days after SN10 completes the first landing of a prototype spacecraft, albeit a difficult one, SN11 is set to deploy to the launch site on its own attempt. Gradual progress is made with the test flights, with another modification of the landing sequence to be implemented, based on the data obtained from SN10. Meanwhile, the first Super Heavy prototype continues stacking operations while parts up to the Starship SN20 are being prepared at the production site.

These future vehicles are expected to settle at a launch site that SpaceX plans to expand, according to updated documentation.

SN10 vessel:

Cleanup of SN10 remains continues after what has been a successful test flight.

Despite the unplanned rapid teardown (RUD) that occurred within minutes of landing, SN10 hit more milestones than its sisters SN8 and SN9 – both of which crashed into the pad and exploded.

SN10 reflected the key goals successfully achieved by SN8 and SN9, including climb profile, Raptor performance, and stable feedback using aero surfaces. However, SN10 went further, actually hitting the airstrip in one piece.

This was, in part, thanks to the refined reignition process for the Raptors, with three engines igniting before the rollover maneuver. This was a refinement to alleviate the problem suffered by SN9, which called for two Raptors to reignite with only one engine failing, which prevented the vehicle from completing the vertical rollover.

With all three Raptors lit during SN10’s flip, the maneuver was over. However, what was supposed to be an immediate deselection of the only Raptor “with the least leverage” was not achieved. All three Raptors remained on for the entire flip before two Raptors quickly came to a halt when SN10 entered for vertical touchdown on one engine.

SN10 appeared to be heading for a soft landing. However, some of its landing legs did not lock into place during their deployment – which was believed to be the reason the vehicle eventually exploded, falling violently onto its rear skirt, resulting in the cushion tilting. .

It was later stated that the landing burn was involved, with chief designer Elon Musk declaring, “The thrust was low despite a high command for reasons unknown at this time, resulting in a difficult touchdown. We have never seen this before.

As such, if all landing legs were locked in place, it would not have protected SN10 from a hard landing. “It was way beyond the load on the legs. They were crushed hard, ”Elon added.

Regardless, it was still the first Starship to return to the pad in one song. The challenge for SN11 will be to cross the milestones again until landing, with refinement of the burn on landing to mitigate a hard touchdown.

“Next time, at a minimum (imum) two engines down to the ground and restart engine 3 if engine 1 or 2 has problems,” Elon pointed out.

SN11 vessel:

In typical SpaceX Boca Chica fashion, this “next time” might be just a matter of a week or two, with Starship SN11 set to roll to the launch site as early as Monday, due to local road closures.

SpaceX reduced the time between deployment and launch with each Starship stream – and if the preliminary schedule of SN11 is maintained, this record of flow of pellets will be broken again.

Based on a Monday deployment – and with the understanding that all three Raptors are already installed on SN11 – the vehicle could go through proof testing days later, with a static fire test next weekend.

Everything should go as planned – especially with the static fire test where all three Raptors provide acceptable results – Starship SN11 might be able to launch the following week.

This vehicle will be the last of the current version of prototypes, with the next vehicle sporting the mostly unknown modifications that Elon Musk alluded to on social media a while back.

From SN15 and BN1 Super Heavy:

The Starship SN15 is currently in the Mid Bay, awaiting the departure of SN11. Once SN11 is at the platform, SN15 will be moved to High Bay and will receive its nose.

SN15 will include a new design for the thrust washer and host a larger quantity of Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles.

With the impressive production rate in mind, SN16 and SN17 will become future stable companions inside the Mid Bay. However, pieces up to SN20 – including her leg skirt – have already been spotted by Mary (@bocachicagal).

To aid the test flight schedule, Mary’s cameras observed an increasing amount of Raptor deliveries.

The latest arrival was SN58, indicating an acceleration between delivery from SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif., To SpaceX’s test center in McGregor, Texas, and Boca Chica for assignment on future test vehicles.

Some of these Raptors will be assigned to Super Heavy, with continued progress on the first prototype vehicle, BN1.

BN1 is currently located inside High Bay, behind SN11, and is now moving into the second phase of stacking operations.

With all the sections now assembled, a new sturdy rack was rolled to High Bay, ready to accommodate the second phase of stacking, before integration with the already completed tanking.

Launch site:

New planning documents have recently been posted, showing SpaceX’s plans to significantly expand the launch site.

The site expansion includes an additional landing pad, two Super Heavy mounts – with their giant launch integration towers that will also include cranes to mate spaceships with the booster – and many other additions.

A large amount of work is already well underway at the orbital launch site, mainly with regard to the structures of the ground support equipment (GSE) and the preparatory work for the first integration tower.

Orbital launch site work – via Mary (@bocachicagal)

That expansion was still on the cards, based on SpaceX’s plans to increase the frequency of flights from its South Texas site.

Notably, the future of Super Heavy also includes the installation currently on hold at Kennedy Space Center 39A and through the use of two ocean platforms, Phobos and Deimos.

As seen in the updated before and after photos above, work is well underway on Phobos, Mississippi, with demolition taking place on her deck and the starboard third of the front house removed.

According to the photographer, workers are now starting to remove equipment from the tower, and its helipad – emblazoned with the words “SpX Phobos” – has been cut in half.

Most of the content via Marie (@bocachicagal)

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