Questions tagged [spacex-starship]
Questions regarding SpaceX's Starship, formerly the Big Falcon Rocket (BFR) upper stage or BFS
387 questions
-4votes
2answers
207views
Would this simple fuel depot work?
The second stage (Starship) with an extra load of fuel gets to LEO, opens a double-layer rubber bag (with sun-reflection), and pumps fuel into it. Then disconnects and lends back at the launch tower? ...
10votes
1answer
5kviews
Why does Starship launch on a cloud?
This image is from the first launch attempt of spaceX's IFT-8. During propellant loading, I understand that the process requires significant venting, my question is the following: Why does SpaceX ...
- 3,214
8votes
1answer
2kviews
Do we have any known examples of the "harmonic response" phenomenon causing structural failures in spacecraft?
Engineers determined the most likely cause of the propellant leak was a harmonic response several times stronger than predicted, suggesting the vibrations during the ship’s climb into space were in ...
6votes
1answer
2kviews
Why did Starship IFT-8 explode again?
I've seen pictures of it and videos, but I haven't seen anybody explain what happened. Img credit All I know is that the first stage returned and was captured properly, but the 2nd stage didn't ...
2votes
0answers
189views
Will SpaceX ever be able to launch Starlink Satellites from Boca Chica?
Starlink satellites have orbital inclinations of 43 to 97.6 degrees (but 60% of the satellites orbit at 53*). Launch corridors in the US are over open water to avoid danger to those of us on the ...
- 33k
8votes
3answers
1kviews
Did the loss of Starship Test Flight 7 force plane flights to be diverted?
A BlueSky post from Jon Ostrower implied that the explosion of Starship test flight 7 forced airline flights to hold or divert. I would have assumed that any likely corridor for debris would have been ...
- 174k
5votes
1answer
881views
New Glenn and Starship testing approach differences
SpaceX has been doing suborbital flights with Starship for a while now, and intends to conduct a second in-orbit engine re-light to demonstrate de-orbit capability. Blue Origin's New Glenn has flown ...
- 351
0votes
4answers
388views
What potential challenges could make a human Mars landing in 2028 virtually impossible?
In September 2024 Elon Musk stated The first Starships to Mars will launch in 2 years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens. These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact ...
- 6,117
-2votes
1answer
117views
What are the approximate dimensions of the liquid oxygen tank and liquid methane tank on the Starship?
I would like to have an idea of the cylindrical height and diameter of the Starship's liquid oxygen tank. Likewise, the Starship's liquid methane tank. original: Qual a dimensão aproximada do ...
9votes
3answers
2kviews
Can a ship like Starship roll during re-entry?
Theoretically can a ship like Starship rotate on its axis (roll) during reentry to spread the heat on the whole surface instead of just one side with the heat shield? Is it doable? Does it make sense? ...
7votes
0answers
366views
Why were the Starship booster and ship using LOX faster than CH4?
I have been analyzing frames from the video of IFT-6 (to extract the juicy data, though it might require more processing power than my PC can handle) and noticed something I do not understand. Note ...
- 1,620
0votes
1answer
314views
What is this object seen above Starship before launching on IFT-6?
While watching Starship a few hours before the launch of IFT-6, I noticed an object (circled in red) above Starship (screenshot below). The launch video is too zoomed out/low resolution for me to ...
1vote
1answer
327views
Will SpaceX stop selling Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches once Starship is operational?
SpaceX is currently in the process of testing their new Starship rocket. Starship is expected to be both cheaper than and have a higher payload capacity than both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy and SpaceX ...
6votes
2answers
687views
What capabilities must SpaceX develop prior to the uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in 2026 in order to enable a Mars human landing mission in 2028?
Elon Musk, the CEO and Chief Technology Officer of the world’s dominant space launch company has recently stated that in 2026 SpaceX will demonstrate the capability to land humans on Mars. The first ...
- 6,117
-1votes
1answer
322views
Why will SpaceX fly a Block 1 ship on IFT-6? [duplicate]
While writing this question, I was directed to the question Why doesn't SpaceX plan on doing anything new on IFT-6? The top answer basically says it's because Block 2 is totally different. They now ...
