SpaceX

[Patrick AL]

Although this does not really mean anything, SpaceX has scheduled a live broadcast of the 3rd Starship test for 14 March:

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1LyxBnOvzvOxN

May be an internal planning target, but will be dependent on a whole heap of paperwork.

In terms of practicalities, they have just completed the full Wet Dress Rehearsal, and the FTS charges have been delivered, but not yet installed. So they seem pretty much ready to go the moment the paperwork is complete.

[scavanger]

Excellent. Thanks for the update!

[Chalkie]

Although this does not really mean anything, SpaceX has scheduled a live broadcast of the 3rd Starship test for 14 March:

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1LyxBnOvzvOxN

May be an internal planning target, but will be dependent on a whole heap of paperwork.

In terms of practicalities, they have just completed the full Wet Dress Rehearsal, and the FTS charges have been delivered, but not yet installed. So they seem pretty much ready to go the moment the paperwork is complete.

I asked Dr Goggle...

About 9,370,000 results (0.58 seconds)
Space Exploration Technologies Corp./Founded 14 March 2002

Perhaps that is why this specific date was chosen... ?

[GrahamW]

BREAKING NEWS:

Starship IFT-3 will now aim for Indian Ocean, not Hawaiian coast!
(This new flight path enables SpaceX to attempt new techniques like in-space engine burns while maximizing public safety)
SpaceX has scheduled X stream starting on March 14th!

SpaceX has some INSANE objectives
They will attempt:
-successful ascent burn of both stages
-opening and closing Starship’s payload door
-a propellant transfer demonstration during the upper stage’s coast phase
-the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space
-a controlled reentry of Starship!

[Volo]

BREAKING NEWS:

Starship IFT-3 will now aim for Indian Ocean, not Hawaiian coast!
(This new flight path enables SpaceX to attempt new techniques like in-space engine burns while maximizing public safety)
SpaceX has scheduled X stream starting on March 14th!

SpaceX has some INSANE objectives
They will attempt:
-successful ascent burn of both stages
-opening and closing Starship’s payload door
-a propellant transfer demonstration during the upper stage’s coast phase
-the first ever re-light of a Raptor engine while in space
-a controlled reentry of Starship!

...........................................
What is a "controlled reentry " is that a platform landing or a splashdown ?

[Volo]

What is a "controlled reentry " is that a platform landing or a splashdown ?

That is just the de-orbit burn and targeted reentry position and attitude. I don't believe they actually expect it to survive reentry. But if it does, the landing will be a splashdown in the ocean (no indication that they will even try for a soft splashdown).

[Chalkie]

...........................................
What is a "controlled reentry " is that a platform landing or a splashdown ?

A controlled reentry would be , TPS tiles facing the atmosphere and the Starship not burning up.

Once it survives that, the idea will be a controlled descent and splashdown in the ocean, so that lots and lots of data can be collected.

On a later launch, they might try a landing on a barge or two, just to collect more data before landing somewhere on solid ground, then progress to a 'catch' back at base?? But I guess they would need to have the second tower operational by then; just in case...

[Chalkie]

I asked Dr Goggle...

About 9,370,000 results (0.58 seconds)
Space Exploration Technologies Corp./Founded 14 March 2002

Time to light the (birthday) candle... Seems like they are installing FTS charges, which would mean that launch license is pretty much guaranteed.

[Sunbird]

If they launch late in the window, and we have a bit of luck, we may see a new satellite pass overhead:

screen12.jpg

[heisan]

Launch preps still steaming ahead for 14th. Pretty much all that is left is the license - and they seem confident it will be issued on time.

Unfortunately, the latest notices have a shorter launch window. So the latest it will pass over SA is around 3PM - so no chance to see it pass over.

[scavanger]

What is the launch window SA time @heisan?

[heisan]

SPACE-X STARSHIP OFT-3, BOCA CHICA, TX
== PRIMARY ==
03/14/24 / 1200Z-1431Z
== BACKUP(S) ==
03/15/24 / 1200Z-1431Z
03/16-17 / 1200Z-1301Z
03/18/24 / 1200Z-1431Z
3:02 AM · Mar 11, 2024

So, 14h00->16h30B, passing over SA ~30 minutes after launch.

(Oops - I see I posted Zulu time in the above post!)

[Ugly Duckling]

Japanese rocket explodes 5 seconds after ignition

[heisan]

Maybe some more fireworks tomorrow...
1) Boca Chica residents have been warned that an evacuation order will be issued for tomorrow.
but,
2) No sign of license yet, and
3) Wx predictions show marginal high level winds.

So, as usual, no guarantees as to when it will actually launch.

[Chalkie]

Maybe some more fireworks tomorrow...
1) Boca Chica residents have been warned that an evacuation order will be issued for tomorrow.
but,
2) No sign of license yet, and
3) Wx predictions show marginal high level winds.

So, as usual, no guarantees as to when it will actually launch.

Unfortunately the WX might win tomorrow... Friday looks better.