The Starship SpaceX is now ready to begin its first flight 15 kilometers high following a previous engine ignition test on 24 November, of which proved to be a success, offering the next pass to the next challenge.
Elon Musk believes that there are not many factors for the test to go well, specifically, he believes that there is only a 30% probability that the spacecraft will return to its launch zone in Boca Chica (Texas).
The main objective of this first suborbital flight of 15 kilometers high, is to verify the perfect operation of the three Raptor engines that Starship incorporates in this test. Once the ship is complete, it will have five of these engines that will complete the propulsion process.
Starship incorporates many new features that hinder success
The first flight of the Starchip will incorporate a series of fundamental innovations to carry out its mission successfully. The flight control, the incorporation of the new Raptor engines and the turning maneuver required to land are perhaps too many tests for everything to go perfectly.
Elon Musk himself believes there is very little chance of success. But he insists these tests are necessary and vital to test and improve the spacecraft’s system. Especially in the face of the long-awaited conquest of Mars.
“A lot of things have to go right, so maybe 1/3 of a chance,” Elon Musk commented on Twitter. Adding: “But that’s why we have SN 9 and SN10.” preparing to perform design tests.
Stainless steel for the conquest of Mars
The Starship is constructed primarily of stainless steel. This material allows the different sections of the warehouse to be molded in a very short time compared to other materials, as well as offering good resistance, as reported by Gizmodo.
One of the problems of this material is that it would not withstand the high temperatures of exit and entrance towards the Earth. To avoid damage and withstand drag, the Starship’s fuselage will be cooled with liquid methane in both maneuvers.