SpaceX's Starship facing Big Issue: Can't Launch in Months and It's a Problem for NASA...

"SpaceX's Starship facing Big Issue: Can't Launch in Months and It's a Problem for NASA...
===
#techmap #techmaps #elonmusk #starshipspacex
===
(0:00-8:18): Ship 36 explosion’s latest update
(8:19-): Nine full-scale Starship launches
===
SpaceX's Starship facing Big Issue: Can't Launch in Months and It's a Problem for NASA...
In theory, we’re just over a week out from the highly anticipated Starship Flight 10, and SpaceX is moving full speed ahead. The first major milestone was a static fire test of the Super Heavy booster on June 6, where all 33 engines roared to life for a full-duration burn. Then came another test — this time, a single engine on the upper-stage vehicle, Ship 36, was ignited. This likely simulated an in-space ignition. These critical steps are usually done close to launch to ensure all systems are working smoothly.
Following these promising tests, SpaceX set its sights on a bigger challenge: a six-engine static fire of Ship 36 on June 18. But things took a dramatic turn. Before the engines even fired, specifically, in the process of loading cryogenic propellant, the rocket suddenly exploded — or as SpaceX puts it, underwent a 'Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly.' In plain terms, it blew up unexpectedly.
SpaceX's Starship facing Big Issue: Can't Launch in Months and It's a Problem for NASA...
Photos and videos captured the scene: the rocket engulfed in flames and smoke. The energetic event results in the complete loss of Starship and damages to the immediate area surrounding the stand. Analysis of the damage suggests the test stand's pad structure is beyond repair, but the stand itself may be refurbishable. Lots of damaged plumbing. Given this situation, Flight 10 could be pushed back at least 2 months.
It’s a sobering reminder of how difficult and dangerous it is to push the boundaries of space technology. The upside? SpaceX’s safety protocols worked flawlessly, and no one was injured. That’s a win in itself and underscores the need for extreme caution during rocket testing. The company confirmed it’s working with local authorities to secure the test site.
SpaceX and Elon Musk have revealed that early findings point to a failure in a nitrogen Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) located in the payload bay of the Starship. The tank apparently gave out before reaching its intended proof pressure, marking the first known failure of its kind for this design—a development that could have major implications for the safety and reliability of upcoming missions.
SpaceX's Starship facing Big Issue: Can't Launch in Months and It's a Problem for NASA...
COPVs are common in rockets. These vessels hold high-pressure gases used to purge and pressurize different systems inside the spacecraft. However, they can be temperamental. In fact, SpaceX previously linked similar components to the two catastrophic Falcon 9 failures back in 2015 and 2016. As of now, the investigation into this latest issue is still underway.
Whenever there is an anomaly with a SpaceX spacecraft, the first organization people look to for feedback is the FAA. But here’s the twist—ground testing is not a licensed activity with the FAA. That means they don’t have to investigate incidents that happen during those tests. Instead, SpaceX takes full responsibility for figuring out what went wrong. This is a change from past events like the SN4 test in 2020, where the FAA was more hands-on. Think of the FAA as a kind of 'space traffic cop'—they ensure rocket tests are safe, but they don’t step in for every minor incident.
===
Subcribe TechMap: http://tinyurl.com/3z5ysrtf"