One thing is not enough: SpaceX decided to build two prototypes of Starship at once
It seems that the Starship spacecraft, which SpaceX has high hopes for, will have a “twin brother”. The fact that the company began construction of another prototype of the second stage of a superheavy rocket was told by one of the users of NASASpaceFlight. Later, this information was confirmed by the head of the corporation, Ilon Musk.
Recall that the superheavy rocket Starship and Super Heavy, the development of which has been developed by SpaceX for several years, is intended for long-distance manned flights to the Moon and Mars. In addition, according to company representatives, in the future this carrier can even be used instead of the Falcon family missiles.
The device consists of 2 steps: Super Heavy and Starship. The latter "in combination" acts as a manned ship. Both stages are reusable and are capable of putting up to 100 tons of payload into low Earth orbit.
The construction of the second prototype in southern Texas is explained by the fact that the company intends to conduct tests on several samples simultaneously. Elon Musk said that independent teams of engineers will work on missiles. But at the same time, in the process they will share their experiences and ideas with each other. As a result, the corporation can not only identify a more effective team, but also find new technical solutions.
The first launch of Starship and Super Heavy is scheduled for 2020. At the same time, in 2018, Elon Musk estimated the chances of SpaceX to meet the declared deadline of 60%, adding that this probability indicator will continue to grow, thanks to changes to the missile design.
Recall that the superheavy rocket Starship and Super Heavy, the development of which has been developed by SpaceX for several years, is intended for long-distance manned flights to the Moon and Mars. In addition, according to company representatives, in the future this carrier can even be used instead of the Falcon family missiles.
The device consists of 2 steps: Super Heavy and Starship. The latter "in combination" acts as a manned ship. Both stages are reusable and are capable of putting up to 100 tons of payload into low Earth orbit.
The construction of the second prototype in southern Texas is explained by the fact that the company intends to conduct tests on several samples simultaneously. Elon Musk said that independent teams of engineers will work on missiles. But at the same time, in the process they will share their experiences and ideas with each other. As a result, the corporation can not only identify a more effective team, but also find new technical solutions.
The first launch of Starship and Super Heavy is scheduled for 2020. At the same time, in 2018, Elon Musk estimated the chances of SpaceX to meet the declared deadline of 60%, adding that this probability indicator will continue to grow, thanks to changes to the missile design.
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