New
#2291
The Space Stuff thread
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New #2293
Starship Launch update:
Because of a frozen valve the launch attempt has been scrubbed. The launch will be attempted again at a later TBD.
Currently the current attempt is going to be considered a wet dress rehearsal.
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New #2294
they still not sorted out the frozen valves issue? Maybe freezing the engines is not such a clever idea
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New #2295
Chilling the engines before launch is a necessary and standard thing to do. It has been done for a long time and was done with the Space Shuttle and the SLS. I suspect that if it wasn't done the engines would blow up at launch.
Why Rockets Perform An Engine Chill Before LaunchAn engine chill is a prelaunch procedure where cryogenic propellants are allowed to flow into parts of a rocket engine to cool them down to prevent thermal shock when the main cryogenic propellants are injected under extreme pressure through the turbopumps into the combustion chamber during launch.
Why Rockets Perform An Engine Chill Before Launch - Headed For Space
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New #2296
I understand that Ed but why did a valve 'freeze' - we may find out one day. Maybe they meant it 'froze' in one position and would not open/close.
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New #2297
They didn't say whether it was a Methane or Oxygen valve that froze. Considering how cold these liquefied gases are I am surprised they can keep the valves from freezing.
Cryogenic Methane = -180C (-292F)
Cryogenic Oxygen = -207C (-340.6F)
SpaceX's Starship - SN24, BN7
BTW, don't forget that one of the Artemis launch attempts last year was scrubbed because of a "valve problem". Working with cryogenic liquids is a tricky business. Also, consider that NASA has been dealing with this for over 60 years while SpaceX only about 15 years.
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New #2299
The FAA announced late April 14 that it issued the license for the launch from the company’s Starbase test site in Boca Chica, Texas. A launch window for the flight opens at 8 a.m. Eastern April 17 and runs through 10:30 a.m. Eastern, with backup opportunities April 18 through 22.
Anticipation for the license had been growing in recent days as SpaceX said it completed all preparations for the launch. The FAA issued a temporary flight restriction early April 14 for the April 17 launch window, followed later in the day by a similar restriction April 18.
“After a comprehensive license evaluation process, the FAA determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy, payload, airspace integration and financial responsibility requirements,” the FAA said in a brief statement announcing the license. That license is valid for five years, although it currently only covers the upcoming launch.
SpaceNews
SpaceX NOTAMS for Boca Chica, TX
If you go there select state, Texas, then tap Go or you'll lose it, then space operations and Go for type.
Sometimes you can figure what's going to happen when in the details of the NOTAM.
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New #2300
SpaceX is targeting as soon as Thursday, April 20 for the first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Starbase in Texas. The 62 minute launch window opens at 8:28 a.m. CT and closes at 9:30 a.m. CT.
Upcoming Starship Flight Test
https://www.spacex.com/launches/miss...ip-flight-test
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