SpaceX destroys tank in Texas as it awaits Starship flight test

While anticipating the forthcoming Starship flight test, SpaceX conducted a deliberate tank destruction test in Texas, further demonstrating its commitment to rigorous rocket development.

In the wake of a flurry of activity throughout late last month and into September, the pace surrounding SpaceX's upcoming orbital test flight for its Starship rocket appears to have slowed down, primarily due to regulatory constraints. Nevertheless, true to its proactive approach, SpaceX is actively engaged in testing and constructing new rockets at its Boca Chica, Texas facilities. Reports suggest that the company is making significant enhancements to the flight termination system of the booster slated for the second test flight. Concurrently, recent testing in Boca Chica indicates that SpaceX deliberately subjected a tank to explosion, likely as part of its structural limit testing within the Starship development program.

SpaceX destroys tank in Texas as it awaits Starship flight test

Amid this backdrop of developments, it's worth revisiting the initial Starship test flight that took place in April. Back then, there were various predictions about the program's outcome, with the most pessimistic scenarios suggesting a potential grounding of the rocket until 2024. Such a delay could have ramifications for NASA's Artemis program, which relies on SpaceX's Starship to land astronauts on the Moon. Before embarking on these missions, SpaceX must demonstrate several critical aspects of the full rocket system.

These prerequisites encompass not only the capability to reach orbit but also the successful execution of in-orbit refueling, where a tanker Starship transfers fuel to the lunar-bound Starship. Now, despite SpaceX having completed nearly all tests for the latest test rockets, the resurgence of regulatory hurdles is raising concerns about the feasibility of the next Starship flight occurring within this year.

Ironically, the potential delay doesn't stem from the rocket itself. While Starship did experience a self-destruct event during the April test, this outcome was expected, given the rocket's status as the world's largest and most intricate. However, what caught many off guard was the damage inflicted on the launch site by the launch. Although SpaceX swiftly reconstructed the pad, securing approval from the Fish and Wildlife Service for launch pad operations has now become the primary obstacle.

As SpaceX awaits the wildlife service's decision, it remains actively engaged in developing new rockets and conducting equipment tests. One recent test involved a tank test that took place yesterday, resulting in billowing clouds of propellant enveloping the site after the test article was intentionally overpressurized. Such tests are a routine part of rocket development, providing engineers with vital insights into the structural integrity of their equipment and identifying potential points of failure.

Pop goes the weasel... I mean test tank.

This is a cryogenic pressure test to failure of SpaceX's 26.1 test tank. @NASASpaceflight https://t.co/Fatc0NQj2M pic.twitter.com/y7ci3y8QIw
— Sean Doherty (@SeanKD_Photos) September 22, 2023

SpaceX's approach to rocket development differs markedly from the traditional aerospace industry and NASA. While the latter entities typically follow a gradual, years-long process of vehicle construction, SpaceX adopts a more dynamic approach—rapidly building, testing to failure, and then implementing necessary upgrades.

Consequently, SpaceX is actively producing new Starship test articles, incorporating various enhancements, even as it awaits the second orbital test flight. Recent improvements to the Starship rocket encompass new engine gimballing systems, upgrades to the Raptor engine's valves and seals, modifications to the self-destruct or flight termination system mechanism, and an enhanced fire suppression system designed to mitigate or prevent fires within the rocket's engine bay. These upgrades aim to address the multiple failures witnessed in the April test flight, where the world's largest rocket experienced engine losses mid-flight and underwent somersaults while awaiting the activation of the flight termination system.