SpaceX is ready another milestone in the development of the Starship space transportation system. The sixth test flight, called Integrated Flight Test-6 (IFT-6), is scheduled for this Tuesday, November 19, at 10pm Lisbonwith a 30 minute launch window. The event in Boca Chica, Texas, will be broadcast live on the company’s platforms.
This launch follows the success of the IFT-5 flight, carried out in October, which marked the the first time the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch pad, being caught by the arms of the launch and recovery towercalled “chopsticks”. Now, the objective is to repeat the feat, consolidate data for future improvements and test innovations in the Starship capsule system.
With this test of the Starship system, consisting of the Super Heavy drive and the Starship upper capsule, SpaceX aims to advance its vision of a fully reusable space transportation system.
The Super Heavy, which will propel the spacecraft in the first minutes of flight, Your objective is to return to base to be “picked up” by the launch tower. However, this will only happen if the systems are in perfect condition (and the flight director authorizes the maneuver). Otherwise, the booster will make a controlled landing in the Gulf of Mexico.
A capsule A starship will then fly on a subzero trajectory to the Indian Ocean, where it will make a controlled landing.. This time, SpaceX will test one Raptor engine for reentry, instead of three, and will use a new thermal shield. The ship’s angle of attack will also be adjusted, putting more pressure on the flaps to collect data on future landing profiles.
One New to IFT-6 is the use of alternative materials for thermal protection. According to SpaceX, some parts of the Starship capsule will be without the usual protective tilesallowing the team to study how to implement hardware that enables future captures. In addition, Thruster structural improvements and propulsion system redundancies aim to increase return-to-base reliability and safety..
This time the company hopes that the launch at night in the USA (and during the day in the Indian Ocean) will help to improve the conditions for visual observation of the landing of the spacecraft.
No test launch done about a month agoSpaceX’s goal was to recover the Super Heavy rocket through a launch tower with weapons. The operation it was a milestone in space engineering, as well as resulting in impressive images.
Click through the gallery to see test launch and recovery images
This fifth test of the Starship system, which weighs around 5,000 tons, successfully put the main module into orbit with the help of the 39 Raptor engines for its first stage and, an unprecedented milestone in space engineering, returning from the stratosphere, decelerating in a controlled manner and landing on the same launch pad to be recovered at the “chopsticks”, the weapons that picked up that part of the ship to use again.
Watch the video of the recovery moment
Remember, on its first launch, in April 2023, Starship exploded while still attached to the Super Heavy.
What are the key objectives of SpaceX’s Integrated Flight Test-6?
Interview between Time.news Editor, Sarah Gibbons, and Dr. Emily Tran, Aerospace Engineer and SpaceX Expert
Sarah Gibbons: Good afternoon, Dr. Tran! Thank you for joining us today to talk about SpaceX’s upcoming Integrated Flight Test-6. It’s an exciting time in space exploration, isn’t it?
Dr. Emily Tran: Absolutely, Sarah! The excitement around IFT-6 is palpable, and it’s a crucial step for SpaceX and the future of space travel.
Sarah Gibbons: Let’s dive right in. The IFT-6 is set for November 19 at 10pm Lisbon time. What makes this test so significant for SpaceX?
Dr. Emily Tran: This launch is particularly important as it aims to build on the successes of the previous flight, IFT-5. This is the first time we’ll see the Super Heavy booster attempt to return to its launch pad again, which was a groundbreaking achievement last month. Repeating this feat is vital for consolidating the data needed to refine their technology and processes.
Sarah Gibbons: So, the focus on a fully reusable space transportation system is central to their mission. Can you elaborate on how significant this goal is for the industry?
Dr. Emily Tran: Definitely! The concept of reusability isn’t just a SpaceX ambition; it’s a potential game-changer for the entire aerospace sector. By reducing the costs associated with launching payloads into space, SpaceX could make space more accessible for various applications, from scientific research to commercial endeavors. The ability to reuse the Super Heavy booster will substantially lower those costs.
Sarah Gibbons: We’ve read that the IFT-6 will involve some new test parameters, such as using only one Raptor engine for reentry instead of three and a revamped thermal shield. What do these changes imply for the mission?
Dr. Emily Tran: These adjustments indicate a strategic approach to enhance the spacecraft’s performance and safety during critical phases. Testing with one Raptor engine allows SpaceX to gather data about its efficiency and reliability under reentry conditions, which is vital for developing a robust system. The new thermal shield materials could also lead to improved heat resistance during reentry, potentially paving the way for longer missions in the future.
Sarah Gibbons: The “chopsticks” recovery system has already garnered quite a bit of attention. Could you explain how this system works and why it’s innovative?
Dr. Emily Tran: The “chopsticks” are essentially robotic arms on the launch tower designed to catch the Super Heavy booster as it returns to the launch pad. This innovative recovery technique minimizes the booster’s impact and wear, allowing for faster turnaround times between launches. It’s a clever engineering solution that showcases SpaceX’s commitment to reusability.
Sarah Gibbons: What about the capsule’s trajectory changes and the data collection on landing profiles? How will that contribute to future missions?
Dr. Emily Tran: Adjusting the capsule’s angle of attack and collecting data on flap movements during descent allows engineers to refine the landing profiles for greater accuracy in future missions. This data will be instrumental in developing the autonomous landing system needed for deep-space missions, like trips to Mars or lunar landings.
Sarah Gibbons: Lastly, how does the world watch this test, and why do you think it matters to the public?
Dr. Emily Tran: The event will be streamed live on SpaceX’s platforms, allowing anyone to watch this incredible feat of engineering and innovation in real-time. It matters to the public as it represents the forefront of space exploration and human ingenuity. People are drawn to space missions because they symbolize hope, ambition, and the possibility of life beyond our planet.
Sarah Gibbons: Thank you, Dr. Tran, for your insights! It’s clear that IFT-6 is not just another test flight; it’s part of a larger narrative of innovation and ambition that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Dr. Emily Tran: Thank you for having me, Sarah! It’s always a pleasure to share the excitement of space exploration.
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End of Interview