SpaceX Super Heavy and Starship updates

[DocM]

Starship SN-08 engine integration underway, starting with Raptor SN-39

 

 

[anthdci]

12 hours ago, DocM said:

Starship SN-08 engine integration underway, starting with Raptor SN-39

 

 

is it just me or does that look like something from Tatooine?

[DocM]

The complex plumbing is because of the Full Flow Staged Combustion cycle. This is the first engine of this type to fly. Russia (1960s) and the US (2000s) tried, but SpaceX pulled it off.

[DocM]

 

[DocM]

The nose cone w/LOX header tank and fin mounts has moved into the low bay. Looks like it's time to integrate it with the 5-ring barrel section and upper drag fins.

 

This is it in the production building.

 

[DocM]

Got marshmallows?

 

 

[DocM]

The "no propellant depots" argument is over

 

 

[DocM]

Possible 3-engine static fire tonight

Window is 2200-0700 Eastern

LabPadre is installing a seismograph 😎

 

 

 

[DocM]

Rocket God's willing, SN-08 static fire attempt tonight.

 

Window: 2200 - 0700 Eastern

 

And Kimi Talvitie has updated his Starship model.

 

[DocM]

Short static fire or pre-burner test at 1:06, and the payload module is being stacked.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/brendan2908/status/1318162337505845248

 

 

[Skiver Veteran]

Tell tale plume of exhaust just before as well as nose cone being fitted, looks like a successful Static Fire to me.

[DocM]

 

[DocM]

Another SN-08 test tonight

 

CT:  2100 - 0600 (Boca Chica)

ET:  2200 - 0700

UT: 0200 - 1100 

[Skiver Veteran]

Looks like a successful Static Fire

 

 

[DocM]

Wow...12 miles (19 km) away...

 

 

 

 

 

[DocM]

An R-Boost (Raptor Booster) engine at 300 tonnes = about 660,000 lbf of thrust.

 

Super Heavy's gonna be a friggin' monster.

 

 

 

 

 

[DocM]

BIG EFFIN' CRANE is at the pad for Starship integration

 

 

[DocM]

Soon, a full length Starship ready for a skydiver test...

 

 

[Skiver Veteran]

I know it will all depend on approvals but we're surely weeks away from the test now?

 

I wonder how SpaceX rate their chances of this not ending in an explosion.

[DocM]

4 hours ago, Skiver said:

I know it will all depend on approvals but we're surely weeks away from the test now?

 

I wonder how SpaceX rate their chances of this not ending in an explosion.

 

They already have an FCC STA (Special Temporary Authority) for flights through Q2 2021, and an FAA license should appear shortly before any individual flight.

 

Once it's mated they'll likely proof test the connections to and the header tank in the nose, then fly. Could be very soon.

 

Odds? 50-50 it sticks it. If not, SN-09 is waiting in the wings and SN's 10-14 are under construction.

 

Today's assembly work via LabPadre's YouTube stream.

 

[DocM]

 

LabPadre stream

 

[Skiver Veteran]

 

[DocM]

This has a fisheye distortion, but is a cool shot. The image below is after adjustment,

 

 

[DocM]

Sounds like the Starship update will be on their website

 

 

 

[DocM]

SN-08 etc. are the small version of SpaceX's Starship.