The heavy ship Starhopper is preparing for the first "jumps"
Active work on the creation of the superheavy Super Heavy / Starship rocket continues. The promising carrier from SpaceX has high expectations, since the device should become the new US transportation system not only for flights to the Moon, but also for the future development of Mars.
This spring, Elon Musk decided to build immediately. two spacecraft - in Florida and Texas. At the moment, it is known that in Boca Chica sections of the rocket have already been mounted on top of each other, while in Florida they are still being assembled.
The next important step in the creation of both Starship rockets will be the installation of landing wings, which, in combination, serve as landing supports. According to the statements of Elon Musk, the latter should be delivered to the assembly site by the end of June. Then, the installation of the engine compartment and fuel tanks will follow. In addition, the functionary announced the construction of Super Heavy (the first stage of the rocket) this summer.
However, the most significant event this year could be the start of the “jumps” of the Starhopper test prototype in Texas. In the process, the device will take off and smooth landing, and the flight altitude will gradually increase to 5 km.
It is worth noting that on May 23, the lower and upper ports were closed for workers to access. This, in turn, indicates the end of internal work with the prototype. In addition, at the same time a trial refueling with liquid methane was carried out.
If further refueling tests and test switching of the engines are successful, then this summer the first test flights of the prototype of a promising rocket can take place.
This spring, Elon Musk decided to build immediately. two spacecraft - in Florida and Texas. At the moment, it is known that in Boca Chica sections of the rocket have already been mounted on top of each other, while in Florida they are still being assembled.
The next important step in the creation of both Starship rockets will be the installation of landing wings, which, in combination, serve as landing supports. According to the statements of Elon Musk, the latter should be delivered to the assembly site by the end of June. Then, the installation of the engine compartment and fuel tanks will follow. In addition, the functionary announced the construction of Super Heavy (the first stage of the rocket) this summer.
However, the most significant event this year could be the start of the “jumps” of the Starhopper test prototype in Texas. In the process, the device will take off and smooth landing, and the flight altitude will gradually increase to 5 km.
It is worth noting that on May 23, the lower and upper ports were closed for workers to access. This, in turn, indicates the end of internal work with the prototype. In addition, at the same time a trial refueling with liquid methane was carried out.
If further refueling tests and test switching of the engines are successful, then this summer the first test flights of the prototype of a promising rocket can take place.
Information