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Science

Starship Soars to Success: SpaceX's Groundbreaking Mission of the Year

Friday 07 June 2024 - 13:30

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In a resounding triumph, SpaceX's Starship took to the skies for its fourth flight, marking a historic milestone in its journey. Anticipation soared high at Boca Chica, Texas, as the spaceflight company prepared for liftoff on Thursday morning. Within the control room, an air of confidence prevailed, fueled by their previous attempts to launch this remarkable rocket.

While this was not SpaceX's first endeavor at achieving stage separation or the "cruise" phase, the true test lay in the final moments of the vessel's return to Earth. The events of the third flight served as a crucial learning experience, paving the way for the momentous fourth launch.

During the Pi Day flight on March 14th, Starship successfully ventured into space but encountered a significant roll that caused unintended abrasions from the searing plasma. As the vessel plummeted through Earth's atmosphere, the rapid rotation exposed areas beyond the heat shield to extreme temperatures, ultimately leading to its destruction at an altitude of approximately 60 kilometers.

The first stage, Super Heavy, also faced challenges, with only partial engine reignition. Consequently, it descended too rapidly and was intentionally destroyed at an altitude of 450 meters to mitigate debris risk.

For the fourth flight, SpaceX's objectives centered on achieving successful returns for both stages. Modifications were implemented, including the ejection of the heavy steel ring connecting the stages, aimed at optimizing mass distribution and facilitating a smoother descent for Super Heavy.

Intriguingly, SpaceX intentionally left two openings in Starship's heat shield, potentially to gather data on plasma flow around the vessel. Enhancements were also made to the adhesive securing the ceramic tiles, addressing potential vulnerabilities identified in the previous flight.

As the countdown commenced, the initial moments unfolded flawlessly. The rocket ascended swiftly, with 32 of the 33 Raptor engines on the first stage functioning optimally. After a trajectory adjustment, the stages separated seamlessly after four minutes and 15 seconds, marking a pivotal moment.

Three minutes later, a remarkable feat was achieved: Super Heavy returned to Earth. Reigniting 12 of its engines mere hundreds of meters above the surface, it momentarily achieved zero velocity, a significant triumph for SpaceX. Jubilant celebrations erupted as one of the day's primary objectives was accomplished.

During the subsequent "cruise" phase, Starship maintained its trajectory, reaching orbital velocities. After a prolonged period of blackout, the cameras re-established contact at an altitude exceeding 160 kilometers, revealing the vessel stabilized and free from the roll that plagued its predecessor.

As the descent progressed, plasma manifestations became visible below 100 kilometers. Starship slowed within the denser atmospheric layers, reaching peak temperatures at 75 kilometers above the surface. One of its flaps, though partially burned at an altitude exceeding 50 kilometers, persevered in guiding the vessel through a turbulent re-entry.

In a final, triumphant act, Starship reignited its engines, reorienting itself and decelerating. SpaceX and Elon Musk achieved their second monumental objective, paving the way for the next flight with resounding optimism.