Starship nears next test flight. The Advanced Super Heavy booster that will launch SpaceX’s next Starship flight has completed cryogenic proof testing, clearing a hurdle that resulted in the destruction of the company’s previous booster, Ars reports. The proof test is notable because it moves engineers closer to launching the first test flight of an upgraded version of SpaceX’s mega-rocket, called Starship V3, or Block 3.
Launch possible within the next six to eight weeks … SpaceX launched a previous version, Starship V2, five times last year, but the first three test flights failed. The previous two flights met SpaceX’s goals and the company moved forward on V3. Assuming the remaining test work goes according to plan, SpaceX could be in a position to launch the first Starship V3 test flight before the end of March.
New Glenn pushing for second phase reuse. Blue Origin engineers are grappling with an eternal debate involving the New Glenn rocket and the economics of flying it. This debate dates back at least 15 years, dating back to the earliest discussions surrounding the design of heavy lift rockets. Of course, the first stage will be completely reusable. But what about the New Glenn upper stage, powered by two large BE-3U engines?
Do you want a job? …Now, Ars reports, reuse is back on the menu. Blue Origin has posted a new job listing for Director of Reusable Upper Stage Development, saying, “As Director of Program Management for the New Glenn Upper Stage and Payload Habitat (GS2PA), you will work with the Vice President of New Glenn GS2PA and directly support the execution of a Lean Engineering initiative to develop the reusable upper stage.” Arce estimates that New Glenn’s Phase 2 construction is currently costing Blue Origin more than $50 million.
next three launches
12 February:Falcon 9 | Crew-12 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida 10:15 UTC
14 February:Falcon 9 | Starlink 17-13 | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California 22:00 UTC
16 February:Falcon 9 | Starlink 6-103 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida 05:00 UTC
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