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Recent Developments in SpaceX’s Starship Flight 6
In a notable turn of events, SpaceX’s 232-feet-tall Super Heavy booster from Starship Flight 6, which initially floated post-splashdown, has been seen sinking to its final resting place. The recent footage showcases a segment of the rocket gradually descending underwater. This test flight occurred earlier this month, and diverging from the previous Flight 5, it culminated in a soft splashdown rather than a successful catch by the launch tower. Elon Musk later confirmed that an issue with the launch tower led to the decision to abort the tower catch.
Details of the Super Heavy Booster’s Recovery Process
Remarkably, during Flight 6, the Super Heavy booster became the first to return to the water unharmed, as it was not caught by the tower. Per SpaceX’s operational agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it is mandated that the booster shall sink into the ocean after landing. However, initial live-streaming showcased the rocket floating at an angle instead of submerging. Subsequently, additional footage revealed a close view of the tail section that was unable to sink immediately.
Regulations Surrounding Water Landings
In scenarios where the booster fails to submerge as expected, SpaceX must adhere to specified methods to prevent water pollution. In their FAA submission, the company detailed the protocols for ensuring the Super Heavy sinks. The primary method involves remotely opening tank vents to allow seawater entry. If that fails, SpaceX would attempt to open tank valves. As a last resort, the cleanup strategy involves using a ship and towline to roll the vehicle along its long axis, facilitating its descent into the water.
Concluding Phase of Flight 6
Following Flight 6, SpaceX coordinated recovery efforts by guiding the booster southward via support aircraft, eventually leading to its submersion. Recent footage on X revealed the tail-end separating and crumbling before it submerged. However, the clip does not capture the engine section completely sinking beneath the water’s surface.
Looking Forward to Starship Flight 7
With the conclusion of Flight 6, SpaceX now shifts its focus to the upcoming Flight 7, scheduled for January. Given that the tower catch issue stemmed from a technical glitch, the company anticipates an easier repair and subsequent attempts at a catch during the next test.
Notably, Flight 7 will introduce an upgraded upper-stage Starship equipped with larger propellant tanks and a revised flap design aimed at reducing fire risks during reentry. Musk has indicated that if the upper stage successfully splashes down during this test, a catch attempt with the launch tower could follow in the subsequent flight.
Godspeed🫡 https://t.co/b9WHxaWZKQ pic.twitter.com/U1rVcKNKv8
— Austin Barnard🚀 (@austinbarnard45) November 24, 2024
For more details on the latest developments surrounding SpaceX’s Starship programs, you can refer to the source and images here.
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