SpaceX Test Flight of Starship- Explanation of Test
The second test flight of SpaceX’s Starship launched from Boca Chica, Texas, but ended prematurely with an explosion and loss of signal. The Super Heavy booster and spacecraft successfully separated after liftoff, but the booster erupted into a ball of flames over the Gulf of Mexico, and the spacecraft self-detonated after not going as planned. Both the spacecraft and booster were intended to be reusable--and the spacecraft was meant to complete one lap around the Earth--but this second test flight lasted longer than the first attempt in April 2023 which exploded almost immediately. NASA is investing up to $4 billion in this rocket system with the goal of using the Starship capsule to transport astronauts to the moon for its Artemis III mission, currently scheduled for 2025.
Description
A RUD in spaceflight stands for “Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly.” On November 18, 2023, SpaceX performed its second test flight of its Starship rocket. The rocket successfully lifted off, but its booster did not land in the Gulf of Mexico as planned, and exploded just after beginning its boostback burn. The Starship continued to fly, but as it vented out excess liquid oxygen, it caught on fire and also exploded. These clips illustrate that as new innovations are tested, what might seem like a failure to some is actually considered a success by scientists and engineers.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- Clip 1: Describe the main goals and objectives of the SpaceX Starship test flight explained in the video.
- Clip 1: In what ways did the test flight encounter challenges or face unexpected issues?
- Clip 2: Discuss the reactions and responses of the SpaceX team and engineers during and after the test flight.
- Clip 3: Explain how the setbacks or failures discussed in the video contribute to the overall progress and success of the Starship program, and space exploration in general.
Additional Resources
Participants
Vocabulary
- Rocket Booster Boostback Burn