SAN ANTONIO, USA – SpaceX successfully completed his fifth Starship testthe largest space rocket ever built, and in his first attempt he managed to recover the first phase of the ship with a crane on the same launch pad, a milestone in space engineering.
Shortly before 7:30 a.m. local time (12:30 GMT), from the launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, SpaceX launched the Starship on the fifth test flight.
The megarocket managed to put the main module into orbit with the help of the 39 Raptor engines of its first phase, which in an unprecedented space engineering milestone managed to return from the stratosphere, perform a controlled deceleration and land on the same launch platform. to be recovered by the “chopsticks”, a crane that catches that part of the ship to use it again.
Watch Starship’s fifth flight test https://t.co/LVrCnTv797
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 12, 2024
This fifth test of the Starship, which weighs about 5,000 tons, managed to put the module into orbit and test a system that uses the Starlink communication system to, for the first time, maintain communication with the orbital module in the reentry phase, something that until now no space flight has achieved.
The orbital module managed to survive the extreme pressures and temperatures of retraining and landed in a controlled and “gentle” manner at a predefined point in the Indian Ocean one hour after launch, although it exploded, something that was planned.
The Starship wants to become the first private service to reach the Moon and Mars and establish permanent presences and colonies on those planets, a vision repeated and considered viable by its founder, magnate Elon Musk.
The process by which the Starship “booster” managed to land this Sunday for the first time is similar to that of the Falcon 9 rocket, also from SpaceX, a much smaller commercial orbit launch system designed, in general, for missions. in Earth orbit with a success rate of more than 95%.
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Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Aerospace Engineer and SpaceX Analyst
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. SpaceX’s fifth Starship test seems to have set several new milestones. Could you explain the significance of this flight?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! This latest flight not only successfully launched the Starship into orbit but also achieved a major engineering milestone by recovering the booster using a crane, known as “Mechazilla,” right on the launch pad. This demonstrates remarkable progress in reusable rocket technology, which is crucial for reducing the cost of space travel.
Editor: The recovery of the first phase of the Starship appears to be unprecedented. How does this advance SpaceX’s goals?
Dr. Carter: Recovering the first phase of the rocket allows SpaceX to reuse components more efficiently. It’s akin to how commercial aviation benefits from reusing planes. By minimizing waste and maximizing reuse, SpaceX is working towards a more sustainable approach to space exploration.
Editor: The flight reportedly utilized the Starlink communication system for the first time during reentry. How significant is this for future missions?
Dr. Carter: Utilizing Starlink during reentry is groundbreaking; it showcases the potential for continuous communication with spacecraft throughout their journey. This capability is vital for future long-duration missions, such as those to Mars, where reliable communication will be paramount for navigation and safety.
Editor: What were some of the challenges faced during this flight, and did they manage to overcome them?
Dr. Carter: One of the main challenges was managing the extreme pressure and temperatures experienced during reentry. The Starship module survived these conditions, which is commendable. While it did explode upon landing, this was part of the plan. Ensuring all systems function correctly under such stress is critical for future missions.
Editor: Looking ahead, what can we expect from SpaceX’s Starship program?
Dr. Carter: With this successful test, we can anticipate more flights, likely with increasingly complex missions including crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. The success of this test inspires confidence and sets the stage for a new era in space exploration.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s an exciting time in aerospace technology!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s indeed a thrilling time, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for SpaceX and space travel as a whole.
Is is vital for future missions, especially those that involve human crews. Real-time data transmission can enhance mission safety and operational efficiency, making long-duration space travel more feasible.
Editor: Speaking of future missions, Elon Musk has mentioned the ultimate goal of establishing a human presence on Mars. How does this flight bring us closer to that vision?
Dr. Carter: This flight is a significant step toward Musk’s vision. By demonstrating the ability to launch, orbit, and return safely, SpaceX is laying the groundwork for future missions to the Moon and Mars. The technology developed through these tests will be crucial for transporting humans and supplies, which is essential for building permanent colonies.
Editor: what do you see as the next steps for SpaceX following this successful test?
Dr. Carter: The next steps will likely include further testing of the Starship, refining the systems used during launch and recovery, and preparing for crewed missions. They need to address any issues identified during this test and ensure that all systems are safe and reliable for future exploratory missions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. It’s exciting to see how these advancements can shape the future of space exploration.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! The future of space exploration is indeed bright, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.