SpaceX continues preparations for the second orbital launch attempt of the Starship rocket system. The company has shipped a new upper stage prototype to the launch platform at the Starship base in Texas.
What is known
The Starship rocket system consists of two stages. The first is a Super Heavy launch vehicle with 33 Raptor engines. The second is actually the Starship ship itself with six Raptor engines.
As part of a recent launch that ended in an explosion at an altitude of about 40 km, SpaceX wanted to send the 24th prototype ship into orbit. It is called Ship 24. Recently, the 25th prototype, Ship 25, went to the launch pad.
The ship will undergo static fire tests. As part of the tests, SpaceX experts will run all six or more of the Raptor engines for a short time. At this time, Starship will be attached to the ground and will not fly away.
It is far from certain that it is Ship 25 that will go on the second flight. SpaceX is developing several Super Heavy and Starship prototypes at once. Perhaps the final decision has already been made, but it has not been officially announced.
Source: SpaceX
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