SpaceX is set to launch its next Starship mission within approximately three weeks, according to Elon Musk's announcement.
In a setback for SpaceX, the upper stage of the Starship experienced a catastrophic explosion during preparations for the 10th test flight at the company's Starbase facility in South Texas. Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion was likely due to a failure in a high-pressure nitrogen tank, specifically a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) containing gaseous nitrogen in the vehicle’s nosecone area[1][2][4].
The incident occurred during a static fire test while the vehicle was being loaded with propellant. Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder and CEO, confirmed that preliminary data indicated the nitrogen COPV failed below its proof pressure, marking the first known failure for this particular design[1][4]. Thankfully, the explosion did not result in any injuries to personnel.
This explosion is reminiscent of a previous Falcon 9 failure in 2016, which was attributed to a rupture of a high-pressure helium COPV. However, SpaceX emphasized that there is no commonality between the COPVs used in Starship and those in Falcon rockets[1][2].
Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to launch the 10th test flight of Starship, the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, approximately three weeks from now[3]. The new Starship vehicle will replace the one that exploded during preparations at the Starbase site. It is worth noting that the explosion during Flight 9 marked the third loss for the vehicle this year[2].
In a positive development, the Flight 7 Super Heavy booster successfully returned to Starbase after breaking apart over the Gulf of Mexico following an attempted landing burn. SpaceX is also working on a new strategy called the "chopstick" recovery strategy for both Super Heavy and Starship, aimed at increasing the efficiency of each stage's reuse[2].
Elon Musk announced the upcoming launch via Twitter on July 14, stating that the launch will be the fourth of Starship this year[3]. No "chopstick" recovery attempt was made during Flight 9, and SpaceX is currently working to get a different Ship vehicle ready for Flight 10[2].
References: [1] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-explosion-cause-unknown-june-2022.html [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/20/starship-starbase-explosion-what-we-know-so-far.html [3] https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-launch-july-2022.html [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/starship-explodes-during-prelaunch-test-at-spacexs-starbase-site-2022-06-18/
A potential news article could state:
- Despite the recent catastrophic explosion of the Starship's upper stage during preparations for the 10th test flight, SpaceX is planning a new launch approximately three weeks from now, highlighting their commitment to the development of space-and-astronomy technology.
- Amidst the setback, SpaceX's failure to identify the exact cause of the explosion during the static fire test of the Starship is reminiscent of a previous Falcon 9 failure in 2016, raising questions about the reliability of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) in space-and-astronomy technology and spacecraft safety.
