Space
Technological challenge: SpaceX will capture the most powerful rocket in history
SpaceX announced that it plans to launch the Starship rocket on its fifth integrated test flight, expected to take place from October 13, pending regulatory approval. This launch will take place from the Starbase launch pad located in Boca Chica, Texas. The mission aims to return the Super Heavy rocket to its point of origin, a crucial move in plans to quickly reuse the vehicle.
#newsonleo #spacex #space #technology
One of the most innovative aspects of this mission is the rocket capture system, which involves the use of a pair of mechanical arms installed on the launch tower. The idea is that these arms “catch” the rocket in the air and reposition it on the platform, facilitating its reuse. This process is one of the key pieces in SpaceX's long-term schedule to improve the efficiency and frequency of its space launches.
For the Super Heavy rocket's return and capture to occur as planned, SpaceX said thousands of criteria must be met. These criteria involve both the vehicle and launch tower systems. Furthermore, a manual command from the Flight Director will be required to authorize this maneuver. If conditions are not suitable, the booster will follow a standard trajectory, ending with a soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico.
The mission's upper stage resembles the test carried out in June, in which the Starship spacecraft followed a suborbital trajectory, culminating in a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean. Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX vice president for construction and flight reliability, expressed confidence in the company's capabilities, citing the precision achieved in previous landings and the expectation of successful capture by the launch tower. “We landed with half a centimeter of precision in the ocean”, highlighted Gerstenmaier, signaling optimism for the upcoming tests.
However, the execution of this test still depends on the issuance of a launch license by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Previously, the FAA stated that the permit would not be available until the end of November, citing the need for a detailed environmental review due to changes in the mission profile. The company, along with supporters in Congress, expressed criticism of the schedule, seeking to speed up regulatory procedures.
The situation surrounding the licensing process is being closely monitored as it involves coordination between multiple agencies. In September, the FAA mentioned that SpaceX presented information about how changes to the flight profile affect the environment, covering a larger area than previously anticipated. This factor contributes to the delay in granting final approval, adding an element of uncertainty to the company's launch schedule.