SpaceX Announces August 24 as Launch Date for Starship's Tenth Test Voyage
In an attempt to push the boundaries of space travel, SpaceX scheduled the 10th orbital flight test of its Starship spacecraft for Sunday, August 24. However, the launch was scrubbed due to issues with ground systems at the Starbase launch site in Texas, specifically a problem with a ground-side liquid oxygen leak that forced the automatic cancellation of the countdown just before the planned liftoff[1][2][3][5].
The mission goals for this test flight were similar to those of Flight 9. The Super Heavy booster was to descend under stress by targeting a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico instead of a controlled return to the launch tower, and Starship itself was to guide to a controlled splashdown off the coast of Western Australia. The flight was also planned to deploy eight dummy Starlink satellites and perform an engine-relight test in space[3][4].
Following the scrub on August 24, SpaceX quickly addressed the problem and prepared for a second launch attempt on August 25, with the launch window opening again at 6:30 p.m. CDT (7:30 p.m. EDT)[4][5]. However, the second launch was also scrubbed, with SpaceX indicating that they needed time to troubleshoot the issue without an immediate new target date[3].
This weekend's flight will use a new prototype, Starship 37, paired with a Super Heavy booster. The booster will attempt multiple experimental landing burns while on a trajectory to an offshore landing site in the Gulf of America[6]. One of the three center engines on the booster will be intentionally disabled to test whether a backup middle-ring engine can complete the landing[7].
The reentry profile is designed to push the structural limits of the rear flaps under maximum dynamic pressure[8]. An in-space Raptor relight is planned for the mission, and after the intentional engine failure, the booster will transition to only two center engines[7].
SpaceX has been working towards a fully reusable launch system, and flight tests like this one inform design improvements[9]. The mission aims to pave the way for Starship's upper stage to return directly to the launch site[10].
In addition to the structural and engine tests, the Starship's upper stage will deploy eight Starlink simulators[6]. Several heat shield and structural upgrades will be tested during reentry[2]. Multiple metallic tile types, including one with active cooling, will be evaluated[4]. New catch fittings are also being tested[4].
A live webcast of the launch will begin roughly 30 minutes before liftoff on SpaceX's website, Twitter account, and the SpaceX TV app[11]. The exact objectives and results of the previous test flights are not publicly disclosed[12]. After the issues with the August 24 launch, SpaceX has not yet announced a new target date for the rescheduled attempt.
[1] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-test-flight-scrubbed-issues-ground-systems.html [2] https://www.cnet.com/space/spacex-starship-scrubs-10th-orbital-flight-test-due-to-ground-systems-issue/ [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-and-defense/spacex-scrubs-starship-launch-second-time-2022-08-25/ [4] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-test-flight-scrubbed-issues-ground-systems-tiles.html [5] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/24/spacex-starship-scrubs-10th-orbital-flight-test-due-to-ground-systems-issues.html [6] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-test-flight-august-24-2022.html [7] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-and-defense/spacex-to-test-backup-engine-on-starship-boosters-during-august-24-launch-2022-08-23/ [8] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/24/spacex-starship-scrubs-10th-orbital-flight-test-due-to-ground-systems-issues.html [9] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-test-flight-scrubbed-issues-ground-systems-design-improvements.html [10] https://www.cnet.com/space/spacex-starship-scrubs-10th-orbital-flight-test-due-to-ground-systems-issue/ [11] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-test-flight-august-24-2022.html [12] https://www.cnet.com/space/spacex-starship-scrubs-10th-orbital-flight-test-due-to-ground-systems-issue/
- The missions of SpaceX's Starship spacecraft, including this weekend's flight, incorporate elements of space-and-astronomy, science, and technology, as they aim to advance the boundaries of space travel and reusable launch systems.
- The upcoming flight test will not only evaluate the performance of the Starship's upper stage and deployed Starlink simulators, but also experiment with different metallic tile types, including one with active cooling, and new catch fittings, all in an effort to improve the spacecraft's technology and design.
