SpaceX to do Starship-to-Starship refuelling in space after Super Heavy catch
- by India Today
- Oct 15, 2024
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The mission architecture and key subsystems have been examined, paving the way for the upcoming test. (Photo: X/@SpaceX) The demonstration will involve launching two Starship vehicles
One will serve as a "tanker" while the other will be the recipient
The process will begin with the launch of a "target" Starship
SpaceX is aiming to conduct Starship-to-Starship fuel transfer in space after successfully demonstrating Super Heavy catch.
The company plans to conduct this test in 2025, marking a significant step towards enabling long-duration space missions, including trips to the Moon and Mars.
The demonstration will involve launching two Starship vehicles into low Earth orbit.
One will serve as a "tanker" while the other will be the recipient spacecraft. Once in orbit, the two vessels will attempt to dock and transfer propellant, a process essential for Starship's ability to reach distant destinations.
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NASA's Amit Kshatriya, deputy associate administrator for the Moon to Mars Program, revealed that SpaceX has already passed a flight system review for this demonstration.
The mission architecture and key subsystems have been examined, paving the way for the upcoming test.
The process will begin with the launch of a "target" Starship, followed three to four weeks later by a "chaser" Starship. After docking, the chaser will transfer propellants to the target vehicle. Upon completion, the two spacecraft will separate and deorbit.
This technology is crucial for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. The Human Landing System (HLS) version of Starship will require multiple refueling operations in low Earth orbit before embarking on its journey to the Moon.
REMINDER: @SpaceX will demonstrate Starship Ship-to-Ship Propellant Transfer next year.
“It's hard to make this not look a little bit naughty because it's two ships connecting and doing a fluid transfer.” —Elon Musk
Starlink live footage of that will be ðå Bow chicka wow wow! pic.twitter.com/48UpNJfXfy — ALEX (@ajtourville) October 15, 2024
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has acknowledged the potentially suggestive nature of the operation, quipping, "It's hard to make this not look a little bit naughty because it's two ships connecting and doing a fluid transfer."
Despite the humorous observation, the technical challenges are significant.
Engineers must address several complex issues, including managing propellant slosh in microgravity and determining the optimal "settling thrust" needed to ensure efficient fuel flow between the docked vehicles.
Additionally, controlling boil-off and maintaining proper pressure differentials between tanks will be critical for successful propellant transfer.
The upcoming demonstration builds on SpaceX's previous achievements, including a successful intertank transfer of cryogenic propellants during Starship's third test flight in March 2024.
As SpaceX continues to refine its fleet with Starship and Dragon spacecraft, which will continue to provide transportation to ISS through 2025, amid delays in fixing Starship, the Musk-led aerospace giant moves closer to realising its ambitious goals of making life multi-planetary and revolutionising space exploration.
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