SpaceX shifts Starship prototype towards testing launch pad (photos unveiled)
SpaceX is gearing up for a new phase in the development of its Starship vehicle, with the transition from testing Version 2 to testing Version 3. The upcoming test flight for the Starship will mark its 11th, following the successful completion of Version 2's 10th test flight on Aug. 26.
Dubbed Flight 10, the previous test saw both the Super Heavy and the Ship hitting their splashdown targets, a significant achievement that was declared a success by SpaceX. The event was documented in a post on SpaceX's website, which included three photos of the Starship in action.
In addition to the successful landing, Flight 10 also saw the deployment of eight dummy versions of SpaceX's Starlink satellites.
Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder and CEO, has announced that Flight 11 will be the final mission of Starship Version 2. After the completion of Version 2's testing, SpaceX will shift its focus to testing Version 3.
The new version of the Starship, if successful, could potentially launch small, uncrewed fleets toward Mars as early as next year, marking a significant step toward helping humanity settle the Red Planet. This long-term goal for SpaceX was reiterated by Musk in his statements.
Version 3 of the Starship will stand about 408 feet (124.4 meters) tall, making it 10 feet (3 meters) taller than its predecessor. The Starship itself stands at 171 feet tall (52 meters tall).
The Starship is currently located at SpaceX's Starbase site in South Texas, where it has been moved to the launch pad for testing.
If testing and development of Version 3 go well, a small, uncrewed fleet of these vehicles could launch toward Mars, with Musk himself likely overseeing the plans. This could be a major step toward realising the dream of colonising Mars, a goal that Musk and SpaceX have been working towards for many years.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the Starship's testing and development, as we continue to follow SpaceX's journey towards Mars.
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