Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, the
shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company and Neurolink.
I'm your host. Will Walden, our inside source
of SpaceX, said that engineers have resolved a technical
problem with Starship's electrical system.
This is detected during pre launch checks and this is at the
Star Base facility. Now during routine diagnostics
at the Star Base facility, the team identified a faulty
component, possibly software, we're not 100% sure.
They didn't disclose that information, but it required
immediate attention. Now following a rapid response
in a series of thorough testing, the system was deemed fully
operational. Now the flight schedule remains
on track without delays now, but there also was some other things
that we have to talk about now with the electrical issue behind
them, they're finalizing all the pre launch checks for Starship's
upcoming flight test scheduled for November 19th of 2024.
The vehicle and ground systems are in top condition.
Weather forecast suggests favorable conditions with a
launch window opening at 4:00 PM central time.
Given the intense preparations, the teams are confident that
Starship is ready for its next major test flight.
Now, one of the critical area as a focus has been Starship's heat
shield. A feature this designed to
protect did during re entry. Engineers had made significant
upgrades to the heat shield, incorporating new materials and
design adjustments based on previous flight data.
The upcoming test will not only evaluate these enhancements, but
will also include several experimental components aimed at
pushing the limits of this thermal barrier.
Now, for this flight, SpaceX has intentionally removed specific
sections of heat shield tiles to gather data on areas of higher
thermal stress. This experiment will help
redefine the design for future vehicles, especially as the
company aims to develop new hardware capable of catching the
Starship on its descent, eliminating the need for
traditional splash downs in the ocean.
Additionally, the spacecraft will fly at a little higher
angle of attack during re entry, increasing the aerodynamic
forces on its control flaps. The move is designed to assess
the robustness of both the flap systems in the upgraded heat
shield under more extreme conditions.
Now, these heat shield experiments are a step in its
Spacex's ongoing efforts to create this thing into a fully
reusable spacecraft. And by testing the vehicle in
such challenging conditions, the company hopes to gain valuable
insights that will lead to improved performance and reduced
refurbishment time between flights.
They hope to get 100 flights per year the next year or two and
hopefully up to 400 flights in two years.
Now the team believes the results of these experiments
will be instrumental in advancing Starship design and
capabilities for all of those flights.
Now another major pre launch achievement was successfully
completed and the wet dress rehearsal.
Now the test involved loading the full stack Starship and
Super Heavy booster with propellant and running through a
complete launch countdown, halting just before ignition.
The purpose of the WDR, the wet dress rehearsal, is to simulate
the conditions of an actual launch, ensuring that all
systems are functioning correctly.
It confirms that the vehicle and ground support systems are ready
to handle the stresses of launch day.
Now, this is the other issue I was talking about.
There was a potential issue with the stack configuration of
Starship and the Super Heavy booster emerged.
After the wet dress rehearsal, engineers identified a
mechanical alignment concern that could affect the connection
between the two stages. While it doesn't appear to be a
major set back, SpaceX has dispatched teams to address the
issue swiftly. Early assessment suggests that
minor adjustments will resolve the problem without causing any
delays to the launch schedule. Meanwhile, preparations for the
flight termination system review are in full swing.
The FTSA crucial safety feature is designed to destroy the
rocket, blow it up if it stays off its intended course during
the launch. Now, SpaceX is performing final
hardware checks and verifying communication links with range
safety authorities. These checks are part of a
broader range safety protocol that includes coordination with
the FAA for certification. Now the review is a necessary
step to ensure the launch can proceed safely.
Now. Environmental assessments have
also been completed, final reports reported to the FAA.
The documentation includes acoustic impact analysis and
debris risk evaluations and local environmental and
monitoring stations around the launch that you've been
calibrated, providing real time data to ensure that the launch
adheres to safety and environmental guidelines.
The review process is showing that SpaceX is committed to all
the regulatory standards in the area.
Now, in terms of weather, the outlook for the launch is
positive. Spacex's meteorological team has
been analyzing upper level wind patterns and atmospheric
conditions to identify any potential issues.
Data collection systems installed around Starbase are
providing continuous updates allowing the team to make
precise, real time decisions. The current forecast indicates a
high probability of favorable weather.
The final call will depend on the most up to date information
on the day of launch. Now range safety preparations
are also moving forward smoothly.
Teams are coordinating with marine and air traffic
authorities to secure the area around the launch site, ensuring
that the range is clear. Recovery vessels are being
positioned ahead of the launch to support post flight
operations. The level of coordination is
necessary for a mission of this scale where multiple factors
must align perfectly for a successful launch.
Now the Launch Readiness Review, or the LRR, is the final hurdle
before the scheduled flight. Subsystem leads are compiling
detailed reports on each component of the Starship,
presenting the final status updates.
Mission Control has been running for simulations of the entire
countdown sequence, testing various scenarios to identify
any potential issues before launch day.
The review process is designed to catch any last minute
problems and ensure that every part of the vehicle is ready.
Now. This test flight is a pivotal
moment for SpaceX as it aims to validate the recent upgrades and
innovations incorporated in the ship and the booster.
They want to fly these things fully reusable and it can
significantly lower the cost of space travel.
Now the development of Starship has been filled with testing,
failing, adapting, and each flight test provides critical
data. Then it forms the next
iteration. Now, with just a day away before
launch, the final checks are underway.
Assuming everything goes smoothly, this test flight can
mark another major step forward for Starship, bringing SpaceX
closer to its vision of fully reusable spacecraft and more
accessible space missions. And a Starship headed to the
moon for the HLS missions. And also think about Mars
Starship. That will be an incredible thing
in the near future. Elon says he wants to start
sending starships there in the next few years.
So if this test is successful, it lays the groundwork for the
next two 345 tests, catching a booster this time as well.
Just like they did with IFT 5, they'll be flying the booster
back to the launch site, catching it with Meccazilla and
slowly lowering it down to be either discarded and studied, or
maybe they'll refurbish it and send it.
Probably not though. They have upgraded models.
It will be in use early 2025. Hey, thank you so much for
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