SpaceX
SpaceX static fired Starship engines ahead of flight 5 date
SpaceX has completed a new static fire for the Starship spacecraft ahead of the flight 5 launch date, which could be early next month.
The static fire was conducted at Starbase Texas but not at the launch tower. The engine ignition lasted for about 10 seconds and shut down immediately at the end.
The company has already conducted a static fire test for spacecraft last month but recently received a new change in the Rvac engine. Therefore, a static fire was required to verify all functional components.
In the last two tests, Starship spacecraft performed well over the expectation. The upper stage performed hot staging, engine ignition, and in-orbit flight.
However, the high heat during reentry is still a big challenge for this launch vehicle. Even with that, Starship achieved a landmark milestone with flight 4.
STATIC FIRE! Ship 30 fires up at Masseys ahead of Flight 5 of Starship.https://t.co/e3xbqPnwZ5 pic.twitter.com/CKKErVVAUa
— Chris Bergin – NSF (@NASASpaceflight) July 26, 2024
It not only survived the max heat but also flip-maneuvered for a splash landing in the sea. SpaceX will once again focus on improving the stability of heat shield tiles and make them more sturdy to withhold the heat.
Then, the spacecraft will mark its landing zone and replicate what has been done during the fourth test mission. Unfortunately, Starship is not ready for a controlled landing over the launch tower. But, we may see that happening with the Super Heavy booster.
Related – SpaceX is testing tower chopsticks to catch Starship 5 booster
Starship Flight 5 launch date could be in August but we’ll have to wait for an official announcement.
