Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, the shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company and Neurolink. I'm your host. Will Walden, our inside source of SpaceX, said that engineers have resolved a technical problem with Starship's electrical system. This is detected during pre launch checks and this is at the
Star Base facility. Now during routine diagnostics at the Star Base facility, the team identified a faulty component, possibly software, we're not 100% sure. They didn't disclose that information, but it required immediate attention. Now following a rapid response in a series of thorough testing, the system was deemed fully
operational. Now the flight schedule remains on track without delays now, but there also was some other things that we have to talk about now with the electrical issue behind them, they're finalizing all the pre launch checks for Starship's upcoming flight test scheduled for November 19th of 2024. The vehicle and ground systems are in top condition. Weather forecast suggests favorable conditions with a launch window opening at 4:00 PM central time.
Given the intense preparations, the teams are confident that Starship is ready for its next major test flight. Now, one of the critical area as a focus has been Starship's heat shield. A feature this designed to protect did during re entry. Engineers had made significant upgrades to the heat shield, incorporating new materials and design adjustments based on previous flight data.
The upcoming test will not only evaluate these enhancements, but will also include several experimental components aimed at pushing the limits of this thermal barrier. Now, for this flight, SpaceX has intentionally removed specific sections of heat shield tiles to gather data on areas of higher
thermal stress. This experiment will help redefine the design for future vehicles, especially as the company aims to develop new hardware capable of catching the Starship on its descent, eliminating the need for traditional splash downs in the ocean. Additionally, the spacecraft will fly at a little higher angle of attack during re entry, increasing the aerodynamic
forces on its control flaps. The move is designed to assess the robustness of both the flap systems in the upgraded heat shield under more extreme conditions. Now, these heat shield experiments are a step in its Spacex's ongoing efforts to create this thing into a fully reusable spacecraft. And by testing the vehicle in such challenging conditions, the company hopes to gain valuable insights that will lead to improved performance and reduced refurbishment time between flights.
They hope to get 100 flights per year the next year or two and hopefully up to 400 flights in two years. Now the team believes the results of these experiments will be instrumental in advancing Starship design and capabilities for all of those flights. Now another major pre launch achievement was successfully completed and the wet dress rehearsal.
Now the test involved loading the full stack Starship and Super Heavy booster with propellant and running through a complete launch countdown, halting just before ignition. The purpose of the WDR, the wet dress rehearsal, is to simulate the conditions of an actual launch, ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly. It confirms that the vehicle and ground support systems are ready to handle the stresses of launch day. Now, this is the other issue I was talking about.
There was a potential issue with the stack configuration of Starship and the Super Heavy booster emerged. After the wet dress rehearsal, engineers identified a mechanical alignment concern that could affect the connection between the two stages. While it doesn't appear to be a major set back, SpaceX has dispatched teams to address the issue swiftly. Early assessment suggests that minor adjustments will resolve the problem without causing any
delays to the launch schedule. Meanwhile, preparations for the flight termination system review are in full swing. The FTSA crucial safety feature is designed to destroy the rocket, blow it up if it stays off its intended course during the launch. Now, SpaceX is performing final hardware checks and verifying communication links with range safety authorities. These checks are part of a broader range safety protocol that includes coordination with
the FAA for certification. Now the review is a necessary step to ensure the launch can proceed safely. Now. Environmental assessments have also been completed, final reports reported to the FAA. The documentation includes acoustic impact analysis and debris risk evaluations and local environmental and monitoring stations around the launch that you've been calibrated, providing real time data to ensure that the launch adheres to safety and environmental guidelines.
The review process is showing that SpaceX is committed to all the regulatory standards in the area. Now, in terms of weather, the outlook for the launch is positive. Spacex's meteorological team has been analyzing upper level wind patterns and atmospheric conditions to identify any potential issues. Data collection systems installed around Starbase are providing continuous updates allowing the team to make
precise, real time decisions. The current forecast indicates a high probability of favorable weather. The final call will depend on the most up to date information on the day of launch. Now range safety preparations are also moving forward smoothly. Teams are coordinating with marine and air traffic authorities to secure the area around the launch site, ensuring that the range is clear. Recovery vessels are being positioned ahead of the launch to support post flight
operations. The level of coordination is necessary for a mission of this scale where multiple factors must align perfectly for a successful launch. Now the Launch Readiness Review, or the LRR, is the final hurdle before the scheduled flight. Subsystem leads are compiling detailed reports on each component of the Starship, presenting the final status updates.
Mission Control has been running for simulations of the entire countdown sequence, testing various scenarios to identify any potential issues before launch day. The review process is designed to catch any last minute problems and ensure that every part of the vehicle is ready. Now. This test flight is a pivotal moment for SpaceX as it aims to validate the recent upgrades and innovations incorporated in the ship and the booster.
They want to fly these things fully reusable and it can significantly lower the cost of space travel. Now the development of Starship has been filled with testing, failing, adapting, and each flight test provides critical data. Then it forms the next iteration. Now, with just a day away before launch, the final checks are underway.
Assuming everything goes smoothly, this test flight can mark another major step forward for Starship, bringing SpaceX closer to its vision of fully reusable spacecraft and more accessible space missions. And a Starship headed to the moon for the HLS missions. And also think about Mars Starship. That will be an incredible thing in the near future. Elon says he wants to start sending starships there in the next few years.
So if this test is successful, it lays the groundwork for the next two 345 tests, catching a booster this time as well. Just like they did with IFT 5, they'll be flying the booster back to the launch site, catching it with Meccazilla and slowly lowering it down to be either discarded and studied, or maybe they'll refurbish it and send it. Probably not though. They have upgraded models. It will be in use early 2025. Hey, thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your
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