Featured Image Source: @LabPadre via X and YouTube
On December 16, SpaceX engineers at the Starbase facility in Boca Chica Beach, Texas, performed more pre-flight testing of the next vehicle that is destined to take flight – Starship SN28 (Serial Number 28). Scheduled to fly on the third Integrated Flight Test (IFT-3) with Super Heavy Booster number 10. The stainless-steel spacecraft was rolled out of the Starbase factory with holiday cheer, adorned with Christmas decorations, it made its way down Highway 4 road to the launchpad, as previously reported by Cosmic Chronicles.
The highlight of this week’s testing regimen was the successful “spin prime test” conducted on Starship SN28. This crucial pre-flight procedure involves spinning or priming the turbopumps within the Starship’s engines using liquid nitrogen. The test simulates propellant loading, ensuring proper fuel and oxidizer delivery to the combustion chamber. This step is executed without initiating the ignition to verify the readiness and functionality of the propulsion system before attempting a full ignition of the six Raptor engines with Methalox (liquid methane and liquid oxygen). During Starship spin prime tests that don’t involve ignition, SpaceX typically uses nitrogen as a test propellant. Nitrogen is inert and allows them to test the vehicle’s ability to perform controlled spin tests without the risk of combustion. Photographer LabPadre shared a video of the testing operation, linked below.
Notably, Starship SN28, assembled with a new stacking method back in March and April of 2023. Engineers have introduced improvements in construction techniques. Departing from the traditional assembly process, the prototype was stacked from top to bottom, allowing the crane to remain attached throughout the construction. This innovative approach also enabled welding robots and engineers to work at ground level, eliminating the need for work at significant heights.
Starship SN28 already underwent a pair of cryogenic proof tests on July 28 and August 3, 2023. The recent success of the spin prime test marks another milestone in the spacecraft’s journey, as it awaits further testing, including a Raptor engine static fire campaign at the suborbital pad located at the Starbase site near the launch tower.
With the spin prime test now behind them, SpaceX moves closer to the highly anticipated IFT-3, bringing Starship SN28 one step closer to its inaugural flight. Meanwhile, you can watch Starbase operations Live 24/7 in the video linked below, courtesy of LabPadre via YouTube.
Author’s note: Thanks for reading Cosmic Chronicles. Write your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have story suggestions or feedback, Direct Message me on social media 𝕏: Evelyn Janeidy Arevalo @JaneidyEve. Read the most recent stories featured below. Thank You.
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