SpaceX flight testing in South Texas

[TURIN]

That was well worth the wait!

[ORAC]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/...pHV6NF5E7kibuw

Elon Musk:

Next test is ~20 sec firing with max oxygen fill to test autogenous pressurization, possibly one more static fire, then orbital launch attempt.

[ORAC]

First tanker starship variant?

https://twitter.com/csi_starbase/sta...tsAx4vwkLGbqKw
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[ORAC]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/...WzhkXrPxLlRphA

This is real-time! Raptor 2 wiggling like a champ via its electric TVC (Thrust Vector Control) at SpaceX McGregor.

While the Rocket Cows didn't show much interest, this is important progress for Starship per fast response steering control during flight.

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[ORAC]

https://twitter.com/fccspace/status/...b7eeFpijFhlQlA

License granted: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)

Dates: 01/20/2023-07/20/2023

Purpose: Experimental orbital demo and recovery test of the Starship test vehicle from Boca Chica TX.

[IFMU]

This is really cool. I check out the LabPadre livestreams often to see what is going on. They are on a buildup lately.

[HOVIS]

It's all coming together nicely. Wish I could get over there to see it.

[IFMU]

For me it's only a 1072NM flight to Brownsville. I should put that on my bucket list.

[IFMU]

Wet Dress rehearsal going on now:

You Tube

[ORAC]

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/16..._ErkPZOD_gvqgQ
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Starship completed its first full flight-like wet dress rehearsal at Starbase today. This was the first time an integrated Ship and Booster were fully loaded with more than 10 million pounds of propellant.

[IFMU]

A summary of the week and some good time lapse.

You Tube

[IFMU]

There is supposed to be an all engine static fire tomorrow.

[HOVIS]

33 Engine Static Fire. Preparation and fuel loading in progress....

You Tube

[IFMU]

That was cool! Lots of fire and dust

[HOVIS]

Yep, enjoyed that. Only 31 engines though, one deliberately not fired and another auto shutdown. Still enough to get the payload to orbit.

[IFMU]

You Tube

[IFMU]

Lab Padre recap video, shown from a few different cameras.

You Tube

[ORAC]

First launch attempt next month….

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/...xqXwfsluGMkE8A
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[ORAC]

Book your holiday for the end of April….

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/...HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

Elon Musk:

​​​​​​​SpaceX will be ready to launch Starship in a few weeks, then launch timing depends on FAA license approval.

Assuming that takes a few weeks, first launch attempt will be near end of third week of April, aka …

[HOVIS]

Aghhhhhhh! I'm busy, can't go! 😥😥