Starship Flight 6: Aiming for the Skies

InfoThis is a summary of the following YouTube video:

đź”´FULL REPLAY: SpaceX Launches Starship Flight 6 (Booster Catch Aborted)

NASASpaceflight

Nov 20, 2024

·

Science & Technology

Standby

  1. SpaceX is gearing up for the sixth test flight of its Starship, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle, contingent on flight parameters.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, marking a significant step in SpaceX's testing program.
  3. The launch is scheduled from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts planned using the launch tower arms.
  4. Ship 31 is set to attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, following a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  5. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th of the year and the 11th of the month, highlighting the company's rapid launch cadence.
  6. The event includes a detailed timeline of key moments, such as ignition, liftoff, and various engine shutdowns, providing a comprehensive view of the flight sequence.

Stream start

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, targeting a launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
  2. The mission involves a potential catch of the Super Heavy booster and a demonstration of the Starship's deorbit capabilities by reigniting a Raptor engine in space.
  3. The launch will take place from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, with the target orbit being trans-atmospheric.
  4. Booster 13 will attempt a recovery using the launch tower arms, while Ship 31 will aim for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  5. The rocket's trajectory is planned to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  6. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as Starship's sixth launch and the second Super Heavy recovery attempt.
  7. The countdown includes several key events such as DSS activation, ignition, liftoff, and various engine shutdowns and burns.
  8. The mission aims to test new configurations, including a more aggressive booster catch and a steeper re-entry angle for the ship.
  9. The launch is expected to provide daylight views of the ship's splashdown, unlike previous early morning launches.
  10. The event is being covered live with multiple camera setups and commentary, highlighting the excitement and technical details of the mission.

DSS activation

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth test flight of its Starship, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The launch is scheduled to take place from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts planned using the launch tower arms.
  3. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, following a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  4. This mission marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as the sixth launch of the Starship and the second attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster.
  5. Key events in the timeline include DSS activation, deluge activation, ignition, liftoff, and various stages of engine shutdowns and burns, culminating in the splashdown of Ship 31.
  6. The mission will also test the in-space relight of a Raptor engine to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, with a focus on the forward flap burnthrough issue.

Deluge activation

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, marking a significant step in SpaceX's testing program.
  3. The launch is scheduled for November 19th, with a window from 4PM to 4:30PM CST, from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  4. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts involving the launch tower arms at the launch pad, while Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  5. The rocket's trajectory is planned to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico, marking SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month.
  6. This is the sixth launch of the Starship and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster, highlighting ongoing advancements in SpaceX's launch capabilities.
  7. The timeline of the launch includes key events such as ignition, liftoff, max-Q, stage separation, and various engine shutdowns, leading to the splashdown of both Booster 13 and Ship 31.
  8. Additional events include the activation of the deluge system, the occurrence of vapor cones, and the relighting of the Raptor engine in space, demonstrating critical flight operations.
  9. The mission also noted some challenges, such as tower mast damage and forward flap burnthrough, which are important for future improvements.
  10. The event concluded with the splashdown of Ship 31 and replays of the launch, providing valuable data and insights for SpaceX's future missions.

LIFTOFF!!!

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The launch is scheduled for November 19th, between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM CST, from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, Earth. The target orbit is trans-atmospheric.
  3. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempted via the launch tower arms at the launch pad. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  4. The rocket's trajectory is set to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico. This marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as the sixth Starship launch and the second Super Heavy recovery attempt.
  5. The timeline of events includes liftoff at 03:24:55, Max-Q at 03:25:53, and various stages of engine shutdowns and burns, culminating in the splashdown of Ship 31 at 04:30:38.
  6. Additional events include the in-space Raptor relight at 04:02:50 and the forward flap burnthrough at 04:23:40, with the final splashdown occurring at 04:30:38.

Max-Q

  1. The sixth flight of SpaceX's Starship is underway, with all systems performing well. The launch has been described as visually impressive, with 33 Raptor engines functioning correctly.
  2. The spacecraft has successfully passed through Max Q, the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure, and is currently traveling at supersonic speeds, reaching an altitude of 20 kilometers.
  3. A significant upcoming event is the hot staging maneuver, where the engines of the second stage are ignited before stage separation. This maneuver uses the thrust of the second stage to push it away from the booster.
  4. The main engine cut-off, or most engines cut-off, is another critical phase to watch for, indicating the transition to the next stage of the flight.

MECO, Stage Sep, Boostback Burn start

  1. The booster is performing a flip maneuver as part of the boost back process, which is crucial for returning to the launch site.
  2. The flight tower is prepared for a catch attempt, marking the second such attempt in the Starship program.
  3. All 13 engines on the booster are operational, propelling it back to the launch site, indicating a successful boost back burn.
  4. The catch attempt is scheduled to occur approximately 7 minutes after liftoff, with the process already halfway completed.
  5. In about 3 minutes and 30 seconds, it will be determined if Booster 13 will successfully follow Booster 12 in a catch attempt.

Middle engines shutdown

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, marking a significant step in SpaceX's testing program.
  3. The launch is scheduled from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit with Booster 13 and Ship 31.
  4. Booster recovery will be attempted using the launch tower arms, while Ship 31 will aim for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  5. The rocket's trajectory is set to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting the planned path for this test flight.
  6. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, showcasing the company's rapid launch cadence.
  7. The timeline of events includes key moments such as liftoff, max-Q, stage separation, and various engine shutdowns, illustrating the detailed sequence of the test flight.
  8. The mission also includes a second attempt at Super Heavy recovery, emphasizing SpaceX's focus on reusability and recovery technology advancements.

Boostback burn shutdown

  1. The Starship's sixth fully integrated test flight is underway, with SpaceX aiming to catch the Super Heavy booster if conditions allow. However, during the boostback burn, it was decided not to attempt the catch, opting instead for a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.
  2. The launch window for this mission opened on November 19th at 4 PM CST and closed at 4:30 PM CST. The launch took place from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, Earth, with the target orbit being trans-atmospheric.
  3. Booster 13, used for this mission, was initially planned to be caught by the launch tower arms but will now attempt a splashdown. This decision was made after assessing the conditions during the boostback burn.
  4. Ship 31, the spacecraft for this mission, continues its journey into orbit independently. It is expected to attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean after completing its mission objectives.
  5. The rocket's trajectory is set straight east over the Gulf of Mexico, marking SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month. This is the sixth launch for the Starship and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster.
  6. Despite the change in plans for the booster recovery, the mission continues to provide valuable data for SpaceX, contributing to the development and refinement of their launch and recovery processes.

B13 reentry

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth test flight of its Starship, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, with the launch taking place from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, Earth.
  3. The target orbit for this mission is trans-atmospheric, with Booster 13 being used and recovered by the launch tower arms at the launch pad.
  4. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, following a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  5. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as the sixth launch of the Starship and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster.
  6. The timeline of events includes liftoff, max-Q, main engine cutoff, stage separation, boostback burn, reentry, landing burn, and splashdown, with specific times noted for each event.
  7. The mission also includes a demonstration of in-space Raptor engine relight, plasma buildup, and a bellyflop maneuver, with Ship 31 eventually performing a landing burn and splashdown.

Vapor cones!

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The launch is scheduled for November 19th, with a window from 4PM to 4:30PM CST. The mission involves a fully integrated test flight of the Starship from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  3. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts involving the launch tower arms at the launch pad. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  4. The rocket's trajectory is set to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th of the year and the 11th of the month, and it is the second attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster.
  5. The timeline of events includes liftoff at 03:24:55, reaching Max-Q at 03:25:53, and various stages of engine shutdowns and burns, culminating in the splashdown of Ship 31 at 04:30:38.
  6. The booster has altered its trajectory to avoid getting too close to the tower, ensuring a safer flight path.

B13 landing burn

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The launch is scheduled to take place at Orbital Launch Pad A, Starbase, Earth, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts involving the launch tower arms.
  3. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, following a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  4. This mission marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as the sixth launch of the Starship and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster.
  5. Key events in the timeline include liftoff, max-Q, main engine cutoff, stage separation, boostback burn, reentry, landing burn, and splashdown.
  6. The mission will also demonstrate the deorbit capabilities by reigniting a single Raptor engine in space.
  7. The timeline details various stages such as ignition, liftoff, max-Q, and landing burn, with specific times for each event.

Middle engines shutdown

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, marking a significant step in SpaceX's testing program.
  3. The launch is scheduled from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit with Booster 13 and Ship 31.
  4. Booster recovery will be attempted using the launch tower arms, while Ship 31 will aim for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  5. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, highlighting the company's rapid launch cadence.
  6. The rocket's trajectory is planned to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico, with key events including liftoff, Max-Q, and various engine shutdowns and burns.
  7. The timeline includes specific events such as ignition, liftoff, Max-Q, and the shutdown of middle engines, followed by the boostback burn and reentry of Booster 13.
  8. Ship 31 will undergo a series of maneuvers including in-space Raptor relight, plasma buildup, and a bellyflop maneuver before its landing burn and splashdown.
  9. The mission also includes attempts to capture visual phenomena like vapor cones and outside views, enhancing the observational data collected during the flight.

B13 splashdown

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth test flight of its Starship, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The launch is scheduled for November 19th, with a window from 4PM to 4:30PM CST. The mission will take place at Orbital Launch Pad A, Starbase, Earth, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  3. Booster 13 will be used for this mission, with recovery attempts planned using the launch tower arms at the launch pad. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  4. The rocket's trajectory is set to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th of the year and the 11th of the month, and it is the second attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster.
  5. The timeline of events includes liftoff at 03:24:55, reaching Max-Q at 03:25:53, and various stages of engine shutdowns and burns leading to the splashdown of Booster 13 and Ship 31.
  6. The mission will also demonstrate the deorbit capabilities by reigniting a single Raptor engine in space. This is part of SpaceX's ongoing efforts to advance their spaceflight technology.

B13 BOOM

  1. SpaceX is conducting the sixth Starship flight test, aiming for a successful launch and recovery of the Super Heavy booster and Ship 31.
  2. The launch window is set for November 19th, from 4 PM to 4:30 PM CST, at Orbital Launch Pad A, Starbase, Earth, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  3. Booster 13 is used for this mission, with an attempted recovery using the launch tower arms, while Ship 31 aims for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  4. The rocket's trajectory is planned to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico, marking SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month.
  5. The mission includes a second attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster and a demonstration of deorbit capabilities by reigniting a Raptor engine in space.
  6. During the test, the ship maintained a nominal trajectory, although there were challenges such as a forward flap burnthrough and tower mast damage.
  7. The timeline of events included liftoff, max-Q, stage separation, and various engine shutdowns, leading to the splashdown of both Booster 13 and Ship 31.
  8. Despite some issues, the mission proceeded with key milestones like the in-space Raptor relight and the final splashdown of Ship 31.

S31 RVacs shutdown

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, with the launch taking place from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, Earth.
  3. The target orbit for this mission is trans-atmospheric, with Booster 13 being used and recovered by the launch tower arms at the launch pad.
  4. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, following a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  5. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th of the year and the 11th of the month, and it is the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster.
  6. The sequence of events includes liftoff, reaching Max-Q, main engine cutoff, stage separation, and boostback burn, followed by reentry and landing burn of Booster 13.
  7. Ship 31's Raptor Vacuums (RVacs) shut down as expected, with the ship targeting a speed of approximately 26,000 kilometers per hour.
  8. The mission progresses with in-space Raptor relight, plasma buildup, and a series of maneuvers including bellyflop and landing burn, culminating in Ship 31's splashdown.

S31 shutdown

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, targeting a launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow and plans to re-ignite a Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities.
  2. The launch is scheduled from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, with a target orbit of trans-atmospheric. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts at the launch tower arms, while Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  3. The rocket's trajectory is set straight east over the Gulf of Mexico. This mission marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as Starship's sixth launch and the second Super Heavy recovery attempt.
  4. During the flight, several milestones are anticipated, including an engine relight in space approximately 37 minutes into the flight, and the potential for valuable data collection from these maneuvers.
  5. The launch experience is described as awe-inspiring, with the rumble and roar of the rocket being particularly memorable. Observers noted the beauty of the views, including the engine camera footage and the orbital sunset.
  6. The decision to opt for a water landing instead of a catch was made to protect the launch complex, as it is the only operational site. This cautious approach allows for future launches without risking the infrastructure.
  7. The visual spectacle of the launch, including the stainless steel of the rocket changing colors due to heat, was highlighted as a remarkable aspect of the event.

The Space Banana

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, targeting a launch window from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST on November 19th. The launch will take place from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, Earth, aiming for a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  2. The mission involves Booster 13 and Ship 31, with the booster recovery attempted via launch tower arms and the ship aiming for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The rocket will follow a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico.
  3. This launch marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, with it being the sixth launch for Starship and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster.
  4. A unique aspect of this mission is the attempt to re-ignite a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, which is anticipated to occur in the evening, providing a visual spectacle.
  5. The text humorously refers to a 'banana payload' as a zero-g indicator, highlighting SpaceX's playful approach to their launches. This element adds a light-hearted touch to the otherwise technical mission.
  6. The narrative captures the excitement and anticipation surrounding the launch, with viewers eagerly awaiting the ship's re-entry and landing, expected to occur at dawn over the Indian Ocean.
  7. The discussion includes technical aspects such as the chilling of the Raptor engine for relight and the use of RCS thrusters to settle propellant, showcasing the complexity of the mission.
  8. The text reflects the enthusiasm of the commentators and viewers, with over 15,000 people watching the live stream, emphasizing the widespread interest in SpaceX's innovative endeavors.

Tower Mast damage

  1. The conversation discusses the damage to the lightning protection tower, also referred to as the comms or weather tower, during SpaceX's Starship test launches. The tower has reportedly sustained damage in every launch, raising concerns about its durability.
  2. There is speculation about the reasons behind the aborted catch of the booster, with hopes that SpaceX will provide more information. The ship is expected to re-enter, but the configuration and orientation remain uncertain.
  3. The conversation humorously notes the tower's 'loneliness' as it awaits the booster, with its arms open, and mentions the shorter turnaround time for the pad since it didn't endure a landing burn.
  4. The discussion touches on the anticipation for the seventh flight, which will feature the block two version of the ship. The importance of testing is emphasized, and the previous flight's successful catch is considered a special treat.
  5. There is a preference for playing it safe by landing the booster rather than risking damage, as boosters are more easily replaceable than other components.
  6. Future flights might see ship landings in the Gulf of Mexico, although the Pacific is considered a more likely initial target, pending regulatory approval.
  7. The conversation anticipates the next flight and catch attempt, expected in early February or late January, with the first V2 ship possibly launching in late February or early March.
  8. The damage to the comms tower is seen as an opportunity to clear roadblocks and improve infrastructure, with a positive outlook on future developments.

“Sonic Vibes” merch!

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on November 19th. The company aims to catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves a fully integrated test flight of Starship, launching from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts at the launch tower arms.
  3. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, following a trajectory straight east over the Gulf of Mexico. This marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month.
  4. The text discusses the challenges of booster recovery, highlighting the potential for structural damage due to the impact with water, particularly concerning the transfer tube that carries methane to the engines.
  5. The Raptor engine relight test is a critical part of the mission, aiming to demonstrate deorbit capabilities. Previous attempts faced issues with attitude control due to blocked roll control thrusters.
  6. The conversation includes speculation about the booster explosion, suggesting it might be due to the impact shock breaking the steel structure, which is not designed for ocean impact.
  7. The text also mentions the use of header tanks for in-orbit maneuvers and landing burns, emphasizing their efficiency in pressurization compared to main tanks.
  8. Visual observations during the flight include lightning on the ground and reflections of the moon, adding to the excitement of the mission.
  9. The text ends with anticipation for the Raptor engine relight, hoping for successful ignition to adjust the splashdown point in the Indian Ocean.

S31 in-space Raptor relight

  1. SpaceX successfully demonstrated the in-space relight capability of a Raptor engine, a crucial step for future operational missions. This capability is essential for deorbiting and ensuring controlled re-entry of the spacecraft.
  2. The relight involved engine one of the center engines, which is a significant achievement for SpaceX, marking a milestone in their ability to conduct orbital and deorbit maneuvers.
  3. The process of preparing for re-entry involves positioning the flaps to manage the intense heat experienced when the spacecraft re-enters the atmosphere at speeds exceeding 10,000 miles per hour.
  4. SpaceX's Starship has shown resilience in surviving re-entry heat, which is beneficial for controlled re-entries but could pose risks if deorbiting fails, leading to uncontrolled re-entry.
  5. The successful relight of the Raptor engine in space is a major milestone, proving SpaceX's capability to manage both orbital and deorbit phases effectively, reducing the risk of debris in space.

Plasma buildup

  1. The telemetry data indicated a speed increase of about 100 km/h, demonstrating the capability to perform a burn when commanded. The front flap camera showed the reorientation process for re-entry, with the altitude at 121 km and the flaps positioned for re-entry.
  2. As the Starship entered the atmosphere, plasma ionization was observed, a phenomenon similar to what the Space Shuttle experienced. This ionization was visible due to the darkness, and the re-entry process was expected to last about 15 minutes.
  3. The burn added approximately 81 km/h to the speed, which was a prograde burn as expected. The glow from the re-entry intensified, indicating early signs of re-entry glow, and the telemetry confirmed the ship's stability and attitude for re-entry.
  4. The re-entry process involved significant heat and energy dissipation, with the heat shield playing a crucial role. Observations included changes in the engine cam colors and the presence of ice on the vents, indicating the intense conditions.
  5. SpaceX has processes in place for booster recovery, including opening vents or using ballistic forces to sink the booster if necessary. The booster could become a natural reef if not recovered, and data collection from the booster is valuable for future missions.
  6. The Starship's speed decreased significantly as it entered the thicker part of the atmosphere, with the goal of reaching zero speed for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The re-entry profile was intentionally steeper to test the vehicle's limits.
  7. The heat shield was not in the same configuration as previous flights, with some tiles removed to test the ship's tolerance. The ship's stability was maintained despite the intense conditions, and the telemetry provided real-time data during re-entry.
  8. The re-entry process was visually stunning, with changing colors and sparks indicating different materials interacting with the plasma. The ship's structural integrity was monitored closely, with concerns about wrinkles on the steel surface.
  9. The Starship's re-entry was a test of its heat shield and structural resilience, with the goal of a soft splashdown. The process involved shedding significant speed and energy, with real-time telemetry providing insights into the vehicle's performance.

Forward flap burnthrough (yet again)

  1. The text describes the visual observation of a spacecraft re-entering Earth's atmosphere off the northwest coast of Australia.
  2. The re-entry is occurring during daylight, which provides better visibility compared to nighttime observations.
  3. Daylight conditions allow for improved camera views, enhancing the ability to visually monitor the spacecraft.
  4. The increased light helps correlate visual observations with sensor data collected from the vehicle.
  5. The launch window was adjusted to ensure daylight during re-entry, optimizing the observation conditions.

Cool flap views

  1. The text discusses the visual monitoring of the Starship during its flight, emphasizing the importance of multiple cameras and assets in capturing the vehicle's journey.
  2. Concerns are raised about the middle camera showing a red glow on the steel, indicating that the steel was reaching forge temperatures, suggesting potential structural issues.
  3. The plasma around the vehicle is fading, indicating that it has passed through peak heating and is now slowing down, although its speed remains higher than the booster during re-entry.
  4. The forward flap of the Starship is experiencing dynamic pressure, but it is cooling down, which is a positive sign as it indicates stabilization.
  5. The text explains the process of the Starship transitioning into a belly flop maneuver, which involves pitching down to a higher angle of attack to test the limits of flap control.
  6. SpaceX has warned that the vehicle might exhibit a 'flappity flap' motion as it descends, which is part of the stress testing of the flap control system.
  7. The purpose of these maneuvers is to assess whether the flaps can maintain steering authority, with the risk that they might lose control if they cannot handle the stress.

Going bellyflop

  1. SpaceX is conducting a test flight of the Starship, focusing on the vehicle's ability to perform a bellyflop maneuver. This maneuver is crucial for controlling the vehicle's orientation during descent.
  2. The test involves pushing the vehicle to its limits to understand its capabilities, including how far it can be pitched forward to increase cross-range capabilities.
  3. The vehicle is currently moving under Mach 2, preparing for the bellyflop maneuver. This involves changing the orientation of the vehicle, which is controlled by the flaps.
  4. The camera views show the collar on the body of the ship, providing a familiar view to those who have followed previous tests. This view aligns with the graphic at the bottom of the screen, showing the vehicle's orientation change.
  5. The bellyflop maneuver is a critical part of the test, and viewers are anticipating the nose-down view, which is reminiscent of previous high-altitude flap tests conducted during daylight.

Fully bellyflop

  1. The conversation discusses the landing process of SpaceX's Starship, focusing on the landing burn phase, which involves reigniting engines to slow down the spacecraft for a controlled descent.
  2. The Starship is noted for its slow descent speed due to its large surface area, which allows it to glide or fall with style, maintaining semi-control during the descent.
  3. Commentators anticipate excitement as the Starship descends below 2 kilometers, preparing for the landing burn, which is a critical phase in the landing sequence.
  4. The discussion highlights the Starship's trajectory and stabilization process, as it pitches forward and stabilizes before the landing burn.
  5. The conversation ends with anticipation for the Raptor engines to ignite, marking the final phase of the landing process.

S31 Landing Burn

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle if conditions allow.
  2. The mission involves re-igniting a single Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities, marking a significant step in SpaceX's testing program.
  3. The launch is scheduled for November 19th, with a window from 4PM to 4:30PM CST, at Orbital Launch Pad A, Starbase, Earth, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  4. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts involving the launch tower arms at the launch pad, while Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  5. The rocket's trajectory is planned to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico, marking SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month.
  6. This is the sixth launch of the Starship and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster, highlighting ongoing advancements in SpaceX's launch capabilities.

Outside views!

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, with the launch window opening at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The company aims to potentially catch the Super Heavy test vehicle, depending on flight parameters.
  2. The launch is scheduled for November 19th, with a window from 4PM to 4:30PM CST. The mission involves a fully integrated test flight of the Starship from Orbital Launch Pad A at Starbase, targeting a trans-atmospheric orbit.
  3. Booster 13 will be used, with recovery attempts involving the launch tower arms at Orbital Launch Pad A. Ship 31 will attempt a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  4. The rocket's trajectory is set to go straight east over the Gulf of Mexico. This marks SpaceX's 119th launch of the year and the 11th of the month, as well as the sixth launch of the Starship and the second Super Heavy recovery attempt.
  5. The timeline of events includes liftoff at 03:24:55, Max-Q at 03:25:53, and various stages of engine shutdowns and burns, culminating in the splashdown of Ship 31 at 04:30:38.
  6. Additional events include the activation of systems like DSS and deluge, the ignition and liftoff, and the re-ignition of a Raptor engine in space to demonstrate deorbit capabilities.
  7. The mission also features unique occurrences such as vapor cones, a forward flap burnthrough, and a fully executed bellyflop maneuver before the final splashdown.

S31 splashdown!

  1. SpaceX is preparing for the sixth Starship flight test, targeting a launch window on November 19th from 4 PM to 4:30 PM CST. The mission involves a trans-atmospheric orbit with Booster 13 and Ship 31, aiming for a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
  2. The launch marks SpaceX's 119th of the year and the 11th of the month, with this being the sixth Starship launch and the second attempt at recovering the Super Heavy booster.
  3. The conversation highlights the successful re-entry of the Starship, noting the removal of 2,000 tiles and a higher angle of attack, marking the third successful belly flop landing from orbit.
  4. The discussion reflects on the progress since the SN5 landing, emphasizing the routine nature of these tests now compared to the past, and the anticipation of future advancements like landing on 'Chopsticks.'
  5. The booster, despite not achieving a perfect landing, provided valuable data for future missions, illustrating the experimental nature of the program and the importance of learning from each test.
  6. The conversation captures the excitement and awe of witnessing the launch, describing the visual and auditory experience of the rocket's ascent and the subsequent stages of the mission.
  7. There is a focus on the community and shared enthusiasm among space enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of these events in bringing people together and fostering a sense of wonder and excitement.
  8. The text also touches on the technical aspects of the launch, such as the booster burn, re-entry, and the challenges faced, including potential damage to the tower and the booster explosion.
  9. The narrative underscores the iterative process of testing and learning, with SpaceX pushing the vehicle to its limits to gather data for future improvements and eventual human missions to Mars.
  10. The conversation ends with a reflection on the broader goals of SpaceX, aiming to make space travel routine and accessible, with the hope that such launches will become commonplace in the future.

Replays

  1. The text describes a visually captivating Starship test flight, focusing on the interaction between the rocket's exhaust and the launch tower, creating sparks and shock waves. The improved deluge system reduces smoke compared to previous flights.
  2. The conversation highlights the sleek design of the rocket, noting its length and the potential for future extensions. The rocket's dimensions are discussed, with a current length of 21.3 meters and a future extension to 150 meters for the block three booster and ship combined.
  3. The text praises the camera crew for capturing stunning visuals, including the rocket's liftoff and the formation of Mach diamonds in the exhaust. The flame is described as longer than the rocket itself, with 33 Raptor engines creating a bright star-like effect.
  4. The discussion includes technical details about the rocket's launch process, such as the staggered ignition of engines and the gradual increase in thrust. The rocket's initial slow ascent is explained as a result of this controlled power ramp-up.
  5. The text mentions the use of an Xbox controller for tracking the rocket, highlighting the innovative approach to capturing the launch. The controller allows for precise adjustments in tracking speed, enhancing the quality of the footage.
  6. The conversation reflects on the community and teamwork involved in capturing the launch, with various individuals contributing to the setup and operation of cameras. The shared passion for space exploration is evident throughout the discussion.
  7. The text describes the dramatic visuals of the rocket's hot staging and the subsequent separation of the hot stage ring. The interaction between the booster and the hot stage ring is likened to a scene from a movie, with the ring tumbling alongside the booster.
  8. The text concludes with a reflection on the challenges and excitement of capturing such a significant event, emphasizing the dedication and skill of the team involved. The visuals are described as 'candy for rocket nerds,' showcasing the beauty and complexity of the launch.