The rocket and ship are critical component for NASA moon mission | CBC News

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the fourth test launch of SpaceX's massive Starship rocket, which is intended to be used for NASA's Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon by 2026. The article covers the key details and outcomes of the test launch, as well as the importance of the Starship for NASA's lunar ambitions.

🙋 Q&A

[01] SpaceX's Starship Test Launch

1. What were the main goals for this fourth test launch of the Starship?

• The main goals were to successfully land the first stage (Super Heavy) in the Gulf of Mexico and the second stage (Starship) in the Indian Ocean.

2. What were the key outcomes and challenges of this test launch?

• The launch was successful, with 32 of the 33 engines functioning as planned.
• The first stage splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico as intended.
• The second stage (Starship) experienced some damage to one of its flaps during re-entry, but ultimately made a successful splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
• This test was an important step in proving the capabilities of the Starship system for NASA's Artemis program.

3. What are the previous test launch attempts and their outcomes?

• The first test in April 2023 saw the Starship lift off but then explode 4 minutes into the flight, severely damaging the launch pad.
• The second test in November 2023 successfully demonstrated "hot staging" between the first and second stages, but the first stage was lost in an explosion and the second stage also exploded.
• The third test on March 14 tested more components like the boostback burn, but had engine issues and failed to achieve a soft water landing.

4. Why is the success of the Starship program important for NASA's Artemis program?

• A version of the Starship called the Human Landing System (HLS) is a critical component for NASA's plan to land astronauts on the moon as part of the Artemis program.
• The HLS will dock with NASA's Orion spacecraft and then shuttle astronauts to the lunar surface for the planned 2026 Artemis III mission.

[02] Significance and Challenges of the Starship Program

1. What is SpaceX's approach to testing and developing the Starship?

• SpaceX is taking an "iterative design approach", testing components and systems in the real world and learning from each test flight, even if they experience failures.
• This "failure-as-progress-toward-success model" has been accepted by the public so far, but a major failure to achieve a more complete successful flight could erode that public acceptance.

2. What are some of the key technical challenges that SpaceX is working to overcome with the Starship?

• Demonstrating the ability to transfer propellant between the two Starship stages, which is crucial for the Artemis lunar missions.
• Perfecting the heat shield tiles that protect the Starship during re-entry.
• Achieving reliable and controlled landings of both the first and second stages.

3. How does the Starship program fit into SpaceX's broader goals and NASA's plans?

• The Starship is a critical component for NASA's Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon by 2026.
• Success with the Starship program is also important for SpaceX's long-term ambitions to enable human exploration of Mars.