SpaceX flight testing in South Texas
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From: Norfolk, UK
Interesting point from Ars...
SpaceX's accomplishment of 25 flights offers an opportunity to step back and take in some context. Although everyone focuses on reuse, SpaceX is still building new second stages for every launch. The task of building so many spaceships in a year is a tall order. While SpaceX's competency with reusing Falcon 9 boosters gets a lot of attention—landing a rocket is still incredible, even after seeing it nearly 400 times—the high-rate manufacturing of Falcon 9 upper stages is the secret MVP. It also suggests that the company's goal to build 100 Starships a year is not crazy.
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From: uk
Who is Ars? Google says "advanced record system."
25 flights in your quote must be to do with falcon 9, as that's the current number of most re-used stage 1 falcon 9 rockets.
No idea what "secret MVP" means either.
Completely different to Starship isn't it?
Looking good for 22:00 UTC.
25 flights in your quote must be to do with falcon 9, as that's the current number of most re-used stage 1 falcon 9 rockets.
No idea what "secret MVP" means either.
Completely different to Starship isn't it?
Looking good for 22:00 UTC.
Last edited by mikeygd; 16th January 2025 at 20:32.
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Norfolk, UK
Apologies - https://arstechnica.com/space/ ; they do a nice "Rocket report" email if you're into that sort of thing.
25 is indeed F9, but the point they make that I'd not really considered is that they're pumping out 2nd stages at one heck of a rate.
T-5. Excited!
25 is indeed F9, but the point they make that I'd not really considered is that they're pumping out 2nd stages at one heck of a rate.
T-5. Excited!
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Debris re-entry from a different angle.
SpaceX: “Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause.
With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability.”
SpaceX: “Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. Teams will continue to review data from today's flight test to better understand root cause.
With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability.”
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Whoa! Sad day for the first V2 ship.
No official word but it’s looking like the FTS was triggered after the engines dropped out.
No official word but it’s looking like the FTS was triggered after the engines dropped out.
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From: In the Pusta
I've seen a map to the NOTAMed areas and these flights seems to be in it. Obviously can't find it at the moment 🙄
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Norfolk, UK
Engines were dropping 1 by 1, with the non-gimbling RVacs giving a big kick quite possible the sole gimbling one didn't have sufficient authority to keep her on track.
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From: Everett, WA
That was quick - wonder if it's accurate?
Preliminary indication is that we had an oxygen/fuel leak in the cavity above the ship engine firewall that was large enough to build pressure in excess of the vent capacity. Apart from obviously double-checking for leaks, we will add fire suppression to that volume and probably increase vent area. Nothing so far suggests pushing next launch past next month.
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From: Germany
kit344
I have seen on FR24 at least three such holding groups (was not sure whether I am allowed to put screeshots into the forum). And some flights continuing. After thinking it twice, I hoped no debris will cross a aircraft flights path over the Atlantic. Wonder where it all came down into FL400 and below - was that area quickly enough cleared from commercial flights?
Maybe we will have also some inflight videos from the light show the next days...
I have seen on FR24 at least three such holding groups (was not sure whether I am allowed to put screeshots into the forum). And some flights continuing. After thinking it twice, I hoped no debris will cross a aircraft flights path over the Atlantic. Wonder where it all came down into FL400 and below - was that area quickly enough cleared from commercial flights?
Maybe we will have also some inflight videos from the light show the next days...
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
That was quick - wonder if it's accurate?
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From: Germany
Re: How FAA handles sudden debris entering I found this Reuters article:
https://www.reuters.com/technology/s...st-2025-01-16/
I could not find an actual NOTAM but as a general practice
Was new to me: debris response area
Must have been activated on a very short notice. Armed obviously at FAA centers, so very quick reaction once triggered. I wonder how this works at ATC. I am sure the temporary/planned flight restriction zone (TFR) by NOTAM ends before Cuba. Beyond is normally open by default for air traffic and maritime - they cant close everything until Namibia until the ship is in orbit I assume.
SpaceX's Starship explodes in flight test, forcing airlines to divert
https://www.reuters.com/technology/s...st-2025-01-16/
I could not find an actual NOTAM but as a general practice
The FAA regularly closes airspace for space launches and reentries, but it can create a "debris response area" to prevent aircraft from entering if the space vehicle experiences an anomaly outside the originally closed zone.
Must have been activated on a very short notice. Armed obviously at FAA centers, so very quick reaction once triggered. I wonder how this works at ATC. I am sure the temporary/planned flight restriction zone (TFR) by NOTAM ends before Cuba. Beyond is normally open by default for air traffic and maritime - they cant close everything until Namibia until the ship is in orbit I assume.
Last edited by 51bravo; 17th January 2025 at 09:34.
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From: Germany
Here we go - flight deck view
https://packaged-media.redd.it/e5cfg...18800&54621c70
if the above doesnt work:
https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/co...ks_and_caicos/
https://packaged-media.redd.it/e5cfg...18800&54621c70
if the above doesnt work:
https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/co...ks_and_caicos/
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From: Texas
These videos are not going to help Musk’s case on expanding the landing area for future tests. At least Musk got his input in before the Friday deadline.
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/0...awaii-waters/#
(Just joking: We all know Musk knows the Trump administration will approve any requests. That’s what he bought them for!)
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/0...awaii-waters/#
(Just joking: We all know Musk knows the Trump administration will approve any requests. That’s what he bought them for!)
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
VideopaceX showing no signs of slowing down, and are busy already preparing for flight 8, with ship 34 undergoing its first Cryo test at the Masseys Outpost Test Site.