SpaceX will build a mini-BFR to launch on a Falcon 9

In September 2016, Elon Musk unveiled his vision of a very heavy launcher, which would be SpaceX's most ambitious project to date. Known as the Big Falcon Rocket (BFR), this huge launcher is at the heart of Musk's plan to conduct space tourism with flights in orbit and on the moon. This is also part of his vision of sending astronauts and settlers to Mars.

Since then, the astronomical and aerospace community has paid particular attention to any updates provided by Musk on the development of BFR. In his latest update, which was made via Twitter, Musk said his company would build a small winged version of the massive component of the spacecraft – the Big Falcon Spaceship (BFS) – which will be tested at launch with a Falcon 9 or Falcon. Heavy rocket.

Musk said it would be part of the "SpaceX Technology Tree", which aims to ensure that engineers and company staff gain valuable experience with the new design and recovery strategy. BFR. According to Eric Ralph of Teslarati, his goal is also to serve as a springboard for development between the Falcon 9 and the BFR, two very different launch vehicles that rely on different technologies.

Construction of the Mod to SpaceX technology tree: Falcon 9's second stage will be upgraded to look like a BFR mini-ship

-Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2018

In addition to being much more massive than the Falcon 9 and the Falcon Heavy, the BFR will be a unique system, consisting of a massive first-stage booster and an equally massive spacecraft (BFS). The design also uses actuators at the front and two of three rear fins to help control the rocket in various densities and atmospheric speeds.

In response to questions about when this test flight could take place, Musk responded that the company was hoping to make the first orbital flight of this mini-BFS by June 2019. Based on this optimistic chronology, Ralph assumes that the test will not include the actual model of the Big Falcon spacecraft, but a close facsimile:

"It seems likely that the miniature spacecraft will essentially be a Falcon 9 reinforced top deck with fins and a heat shield, as opposed to a more extreme start, where the scene would literally be a mini-BFS."

The first scenario seems more likely, he said, because it would take longer to miniaturize all new technologies that will enter the BFR. These include the carbon fiber deep cryogenic liquid oxygen propellant tank and the new propulsion landing techniques that will operate under vacuum or in a thin atmosphere (ie on the Moon or on Mars) .

However, this test will still be an opportunity to validate BFR's key technologies, such as its powered tripod fins, heat shield and other hardware components. Musk also said that the mini-BFS could not land under its own propulsion (like the Falcon 9 and the Falcon Heavy) because of the high thrust / weight ratio of the Merlin vacuum engines.

Instead, Musk said that what the mini-BFS will do is essentially a supersonic and practical feedback to test its lightweight thermal shielding and its high mach control surfaces. He also said that he would not be acting a propulsive landing because of his company's track record in recovering the early stages of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. "I think we are in control of propulsive landings," he tweeted.

According to Musk's statements in April, the recovery plan for the mini-BFS would apparently involve bringing the "upper rocket scene back to orbital speed with the help of a giant balloon" , followed by "And then landing on an inflatable house." For the record, he preceded these statements by saying, "This will sound crazy, but …" so we can assume that he's serious .

SpaceX will attempt to bring the upper stage of the rocket back to orbital speed with the help of a giant balloon

-Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 15, 2018

According to Musk, the tests will take place at the SpaceX South Texas launch site, currently under construction in the village of Boca Chica, Texas. It is interesting to note that the proposed launch date coincides with the launch of SpaceX's first Starlink satellites, a constellation of satellites that will provide global access to broadband Internet.

According to a recent Reuters report, the first batch of these satellites is also expected to be launched in June 2019. Like speculation Ralph, this could mean that Musk intends to test the mini-BFS by putting the satellites into orbit. his own company. This would make sense, as it would allow SpaceX to test the BFS's ability to deliver cargo in orbit while ensuring that the company incurs all risks (rather than as a trading partner).

This is an exciting time for the NewSpace community and space exploration enthusiasts. Between SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and other private aerospace companies, considerable progress has been made. Year after year, the possibilities of space tourism, lunar and even regular missions on Mars seem to be getting closer.

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