SpaceX Prepares for Second Starship Rocket Launch
September 6, 2023
Starbase, Texas – SpaceX has announced that it is nearing its second launch of the Starship rocket after more than half a year since its first flight. The company updated its website on Friday, stating that the second integrated flight test (IFT-2) could take place as early as mid-November, pending regulatory approval. Sources suggest a possible launch date of November 13, but nothing is confirmed.
The main regulatory hurdle standing in the way of the launch is the conclusion of an environmental review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already completed its safety review of the Starship-Super Heavy. The FAA stated, “The environmental review is the last major element to complete before the FAA makes a license determination.”
SpaceX has made several upgrades to both the rocket itself and the launch infrastructure. These upgrades include a new hot-stage separation system and an electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system. One key upgrade being evaluated by the FWS is the water-cooled steel flame deflector, also known as the water deluge system.
NASA is closely monitoring the progress of the Starship rocket, as it plays a crucial role in the Human Landing System Program within the Artemis Program. SpaceX has a limited amount of time to go through iterations of Starship before it is needed for lunar missions. In 2024, SpaceX is expected to demonstrate its ability to transfer propellant from one Starship vehicle to another in orbit.
Lisa Watson-Morgan, the HLS Program Manager, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “That will be a really key indicator as to their readiness level. And once they get to that point, and once that is achieved, it’s much smaller from there on out.”
This propellant transfer mission will require at least one additional orbital launch mount, adding to the significance of the upcoming launch. Watson-Morgan explained that although the iterative approach may be challenging, it simplifies things by the end of the testing campaign. She stated, “So for us, schedule is key.”
As the launch date for the second integrated flight test remains uncertain, SpaceX continues to prepare for the future of its Starship rocket, eager to demonstrate its capabilities and contribute to NASA’s ambitious lunar mission plans.
(Note: This article is purely fictional and does not represent real events or information.)