The attempted start of the large space rocket SpaceX Starship It was a pivotal moment for the history of Elon Musk’s company, as well as for the space market, as (once the project is in the operational phase) it could further shift the balance between both private companies and space and government agencies.
Also according to Musk, SpaceX could hypothetically return to launch a new prototype within about two months, a statement also confirmed by Bill Nelson (NASA Administrator), who reported how the company had explained this “not much inconvenience”. However, the main problem will be getting a new pilot’s license from the FAA after some launch issues (like launching from concrete parts and dust falling into a nearby populated area).
The whole world watched what was happening in Texas and also in Texas China there was someone “Taking Notes” what was seen in the official video and other sources. In particular, some engineers from the Beijing Institute of Aerospace System Engineering of the COLD (China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology).
The launch of SpaceX Starship was observed by the Chinese
In An entry available on a Social Chinese engineers have made some considerations for launch big space rocket and the possible causes that led to itexplosion. This is obviously not official information or considerations derived from additional non-public information, but the ideas of some workers in the sector.
The article first summarizes the (public) specifications spaceship. Chinese engineers believe that the horizontal shift the rocket had in the first few moments after launch was done on purpose to avoid (further) damage to the launch tower, although there is no official confirmation from SpaceX.
Using the data provided by the company, a graph was created showing the consumption of liquid oxygen and methane over time. It is noted that at a point with a potential leak about 90 inches from launch, the oxygen levels drop rapidly.
Engine problems could not go unnoticed. In particular, within 90″ six engines are reported to be shut down and two having problems. At 116″ there are anomalous flames as well as at 125″. Electricity official doesn’t seem to be particularly accurate.
According to the calculations of engineers, it seems during Max Q (point of maximum dynamic pressure) the ascent has slowed and there appears to have been no thrust compensation from the others birds of prey 2 to make up for the lack of some engines. In general, the main cause of the failure of the entire flight profile is given precisely in the failure of the engines.
A trimming problem seems obvious at 129″. Between 80″ and 90″ despite having 11 motors gimbal (possibility of movement) the movement of 1° would have been enough to eliminate the position error. This may not have happened due to a failure of the HPU (Hydraulic Power Unit) or other faults affecting the movement of the motors. The HPU will no longer be present in the new Super Heavy. There China also plans an alternative version of this launcher within the family Long March 9 (including two or three stage versions). These rockets will help launch large payloads into orbit and specifically to the moon. For the interest for spaceship it is absolutely not “strange”.
