"The latest version of SpaceX's Starship megarocket just completed its launch rehearsala key test ahead of an anticipated liftoff that could take place as soon as mid-May. The launch vehiclemade up of SpaceX's Super Heavy Version 3 (V3) booster and Starshipstands some 124 meters tall and is designed to haul up to 150 metric of cargo into space in its fully reusable configuration. On Monday SpaceX successfully filled the rocket with more than 5,000 metric tons of propellant, the company announced in a social media post."
"The rehearsal augurs Starship's coming test flightits 12thwhich will mark the first time the latest version of vehicle is put through its paces. The launch could take place as soon as the middle of this month. SpaceX has a lot riding on this test: Although the two most recent Starship flights were successes, many of the vehicle's previous tests ended in fiery explosions, and the rocket's development has fallen behind schedule."
"The company's purported initial public offering (IPO) adds to the pressure; SpaceX has touted Starship as a way to rapidly grow its satellite Internet megaconstellation Starlink, which is a major profit driver for the company. And SpaceX is doubling down on plans to launch and operate artificial intelligence data centers in orbit. Like all the previous test flights, the next demonstration will not see Starship attempt to enter"
SpaceX’s latest Starship launch rehearsal used the Super Heavy Version 3 booster and the Starship vehicle, standing about 124 meters tall and designed to carry up to 150 metric tons of cargo in a fully reusable configuration. The company filled the rocket with more than 5,000 metric tons of propellant, a key step toward an anticipated liftoff that could occur as soon as mid-May. The rehearsal supports the upcoming 12th Starship test flight, the first to put the latest vehicle version through its paces. The next launch could happen in the middle of the month. Development has faced schedule delays and earlier tests ended in explosions, while an IPO and Starlink growth plans add pressure.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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