Something Wrong Happened with S35 Static Fire!? Is Starship V2 Cursed

Is Starship V2 Cursed? SpaceX has just reached a significant milestone with their Starship program. After months of preparations and testing, Ship 35 (S35) underwent its first static fire test, marking a crucial step on the path to Flight 9 of the Starship program. But the road to success hasn’t been entirely smooth.

Alongside this progress, the Crew Dragon mission Axiom-4 (AX4) is getting ready for launch, and NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is encountering unexpected challenges in deep space. Let’s dive into all these exciting updates and what they mean for the future of space exploration.

S35’s Static Fire Tests: A Milestone for SpaceX

SpaceX is making steady, albeit somewhat slow, progress toward Starship Flight 9. The recent milestones, including the successful S35 static fire test, are critical steps in the pre-launch campaign for the mission. On April 29, S35 was moved from Meabay 2 to the Massie test site to begin preparations for its first static fire test.

The Static Fire Test – A Step Toward Flight 9

After Ship 36 returned to the production site, SpaceX shifted its focus to S35. The move to Massie test site came just two weeks after the installation of Raptor engines on the ship. This move was a significant indicator that SpaceX was preparing for more substantial tests. The test began with a venting procedure, which is a vital step for preparing the ship’s tanks and plumbing for full-scale operations.

Later that day, a tank system check was conducted to verify fuel flow and pressurization systems. Everything culminated on the night of April 30, when S35 underwent its first static fire test. A brief flash of flame lit up the launch stand, followed by a modest plume of smoke, indicating a single-engine ignition.

What Happened During the Static Fire Test?

The test revealed that only one sea level Raptor engine was ignited, and the test lasted for approximately seven seconds. The flames were controlled, and the ignition and shutdown were both smooth, suggesting that the test was a success. The Raptor engine reached a maximum thrust of 230 tons, which is an impressive achievement. SpaceX confirmed that the test was successful, as it demonstrated an in-space burn, an important test for mid-flight engine reignition.

While this was a success for SpaceX, the journey doesn’t end here. For Starship to be ready for Flight 9, several more tests are required, including six-engine static fires involving both sea-level and vacuum Raptors. This milestone marks the beginning of S35’s test campaign, with the ship undergoing several additional checks to ensure mission readiness.

Moving Forward: Additional Tests and Inspections

SpaceX has already planned several additional tests for S35, which include further single-engine firings with different combinations of sea-level and vacuum Raptors. Additionally, testing with varied propellant levels will help SpaceX fine-tune the system before the flight. Once these tests are complete, S35 will be transported back to Mega Bay 2 for a thorough inspection.

The inspection will focus on key components such as the engines, heat shield, and fuel tanks. Any signs of wear or damage will be addressed during this phase. Afterward, the ship will undergo final integrations with the flight termination system (FTS) and payload before moving to the launch pad for pre-launch operations.

When Will Starship Flight 9 Launch?

So, when will Flight 9 actually happen? Based on the current pace, it’s likely that the launch will occur around May 20th, 2025. This assumes that all the final tests and inspections are completed by mid-May, and a wet dress rehearsal is conducted. While the wait may feel long, especially since it will be over two and a half months since Flight 8, SpaceX’s approach to safety and precision means that they are working to ensure a successful mission rather than rushing the process.

What’s Next for SpaceX and Starship?

Flight 9 will be a critical mission for Starship, and it’s exciting to see the progress SpaceX is making. The next few weeks will be essential in determining when Starship will take to the skies. With Flight 9 on the horizon, space enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the launch.

Axiom-4 Crew Dragon Mission: A New Chapter in Human Spaceflight

While Starship is preparing for its next big step, another key mission is also gaining attention. The upcoming Crew Dragon mission Axiom-4 (AX4), scheduled for May 29th, 2025, marks a major milestone in human spaceflight. This mission will continue Axiom Space’s partnership with NASA and SpaceX to expand global access to space.

Axiom-4’s Crew and Objectives

The AX4 mission features a diverse international crew, including representatives from the US, India, Poland, and Hungary. The crew will be led by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and Axiom’s Director of Human Spaceflight. This will be her fifth spaceflight and her second mission with Axiom.

Other members of the AX4 crew include Shabbansu Shukla, Slavitz Usnanski, Wiznooki, and Tibbor Capu, who will be representing nations participating in a crude orbital mission for the first time. Axiom is proud of this growing international collaboration, which now represents 11 different nations.

Scientific Research and Axiom-4’s Mission Goals

The AX4 mission will also support 60 scientific investigations involving researchers from 31 countries. These experiments will cover a wide range of objectives, such as:

The impact of microgravity on cognitive performance and motor function
Radiation exposure monitoring
Environmental data collection aboard the International Space Station (ISS)

Collaborative studies with India’s ISRO and Europe’s space agencies are also part of the mission, further emphasizing the mission’s global significance.

Axiom-4’s Role in Axiom’s Future

Once in orbit, the AX4 crew will spend two weeks aboard the ISS, working on crucial scientific experiments and gaining operational experience that will inform the development of Axiom’s commercial space station in the future. This mission also marks SpaceX’s third crewed launch of the year, following Crew 10 and FRAM 2.

Psyche Spacecraft: Challenges in Deep Space

While SpaceX and Axiom are making strides in their missions, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is facing some unexpected challenges. The spacecraft, which launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in October 2023, is on a journey to a metal-rich asteroid located in the asteroid belt.

The Problem with the Solar Electric Propulsion System

On April 29th, NASA reported an issue with the spacecraft’s solar electric propulsion system. This system is crucial for guiding Psyche to its target. The problem involves a drop in pressure within the Xenon fuel line, which supplies the electric thrusters.

On April 1st, the onboard systems detected that the pressure had fallen from 36 PSI to 26 PSI, prompting mission controllers to shut down the thrusters as a precautionary measure. The issue seems to be linked to insufficient pressure to effectively push xenon into the propulsion system, hindering thrust generation.

NASA’s Next Steps for Psyche

While this problem presents a challenge, NASA is exploring possible solutions. The spacecraft has two identical Xenon fuel lines, and engineers are considering switching to the backup line to restore propulsion. For now, thrusting has been deferred, and investigations are ongoing.

If the issue persists beyond mid-June, it could have significant consequences on the mission’s path or timing. However, NASA’s engineers are highly experienced, and their next steps will be crucial in ensuring that Psyche stays on course for its 2026 flyby of Mars and eventual arrival at the asteroid Psyche in 2029.

Conclusion: Exciting Times Ahead for Space Exploration

The recent developments in Starship, Crew Dragon, and Psyche show just how dynamic the world of space exploration is right now. With SpaceX’s Starship program pushing forward toward Flight 9, Axiom’s international crewed missions opening new doors for human spaceflight, and NASA’s Psyche mission tackling challenges in deep space, there’s never been a better time to be a space enthusiast.

FAQs

1. What is the S35 static fire test, and why is it important?

The S35 static fire test is a crucial step in the preparation for Starship Flight 9. It involves igniting one of Starship’s engines while the vehicle is securely held in place, allowing SpaceX to verify the performance of the engines and other systems before launch. This test is particularly important because it helps ensure that the vehicle is ready for the high demands of spaceflight.

2. When will SpaceX’s Starship Flight 9 launch?

While SpaceX has not yet confirmed an exact launch date for Flight 9, it’s expected to occur around May 20th, 2025, assuming all tests and final checks are completed successfully.

3. What is the purpose of the S35 static fire test?

The S35 static fire test helps SpaceX test the performance of the engines, the fuel system, and other critical components of Starship under real operational conditions. It simulates what happens during flight to ensure everything works smoothly.

4. What engines are used in the Starship program?

The Starship program uses Raptor engines, which are designed for high efficiency and thrust. There are two versions of the Raptor: sea-level Raptors for atmospheric use and vacuum Raptors for spaceflight.

5. What does “mid-flight engine reignition” mean, and why is it important?

Mid-flight engine reignition refers to the ability of Starship to restart its engines in space, which is crucial for performing complex in-space maneuvers like orbital adjustments or landing. This capability was successfully demonstrated on Flight 6, but it needs to be replicated in future flights, including Flight 9.

6. What is the Axiom-4 mission?

The Axiom-4 mission (AX4) is a private spaceflight mission organized by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX. This mission will carry a crew of international astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific research and operational experience.

7. Who are the astronauts on the Axiom-4 crew?

The Axiom-4 crew is led by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut. Other members of the crew include Shabbansu Shukla, Slavitz Usnanski, Wiznooki, and Tibbor Capu, who represent India, Poland, and Hungary.

8. What are the scientific objectives of the Axiom-4 mission?

The Axiom-4 mission will support 60 scientific investigations involving researchers from 31 countries. The studies will focus on topics such as microgravity’s effects on cognitive performance, radiation exposure, and environmental data collection aboard the ISS.

9. How long will the Axiom-4 crew stay aboard the ISS?

The Axiom-4 crew is expected to spend **two weeks aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During this time, they will conduct important scientific research and gain operational experience for future commercial space missions.

10. What challenges is NASA’s Psyche spacecraft facing?

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is encountering an issue with its solar electric propulsion system. A drop in pressure in the Xenon fuel line has caused the spacecraft’s thrusters to shut down. This issue is preventing the spacecraft from generating thrust as it journeys toward a metal-rich asteroid.

11. What is the mission goal of NASA’s Psyche spacecraft?

The goal of NASA’s Psyche mission is to explore a metal-rich asteroid located in the asteroid belt. The spacecraft is using solar electric propulsion to travel to the asteroid, where it will study the composition of this mysterious object.

12. How far is NASA’s Psyche spacecraft from Earth?

As of the latest reports, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is about 238 million kilometers (150 million miles) from Earth, making its journey to the asteroid belt a long and challenging mission.

13. What will happen if NASA cannot fix the Psyche spacecraft’s propulsion problem?

If the propulsion issue with the Psyche spacecraft is not resolved by mid-June 2025, it could impact the mission’s path or timing, especially the Mars flyby scheduled for 2026. NASA is working on solutions to get the spacecraft back on track.