In a recent video, SpaceX boss Elon Musk provided a rare and intimate look at the Starship megarocket on the launchpad at Boca Chica in Texas. Accompanied by space enthusiast Tim Dodd of the Everyday Astronaut YouTube channel, Musk walked up to the base of the massive rocket, giving fans a unique opportunity to see the behemoth up close. The video was recorded just before the Starship’s fourth test flight earlier this month, with a segment at the end capturing the aftermath of the successful test.
As they stood before the 120-meter-tall rocket, Musk marveled at its sheer size, noting that it would be the largest flying object ever made, weighing 5,000 tons at liftoff. The rocket is expected to carry crew and cargo to the moon and beyond once it is fully licensed. Musk’s pride in the spacecraft is evident, as he shows off the intricate details of the Starship, highlighting its unique features and capabilities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Starship is its ability to “catch” the Super Heavy booster using the launch tower’s giant mechanical arms. This innovative feature will enable SpaceX to reuse the booster, a crucial component in reducing the cost of missions involving the rocket. In contrast to the Falcon 9 rocket, which lands using landing legs, Musk has opted for the Super Heavy to go without legs, aiming to reduce its weight and increase its efficiency.
Elon Musk (Via Elon Musk/Twitter)
However, this also means that the catching maneuver is a critical part of the Starship system, requiring careful planning and execution. Musk mentions that there is ongoing discussion within the SpaceX team regarding the best approach to achieve a safe return of the Super Heavy to the launch tower. The next Starship test flight, which could take place as early as next month, promises to be a spectacle, and it will be exciting to see how SpaceX will implement this innovative feature.
The video also captures Musk’s genuine excitement and enthusiasm after the fourth Starship test, where both stages of the rocket achieved landing burns for the first time. In the post-test discussion, Musk shares his thoughts on how the Starship can be further improved, including the creation of a more robust flap hinge area to withstand the heat generated during re-entry.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the Starship program is poised to make a significant impact on the industry. With its unique design and capabilities, the Starship has the potential to revolutionize space travel and exploration. As the next test flight approaches, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome, knowing that it could mark a major milestone in the development of this groundbreaking technology.
