SpaceX Starship Orbital Flight Targeted for January - Elon Musk

SpaceX's Rapid Starship Development and Orbital Aspirations

SpaceX is making remarkable progress in the development of Starship, the most powerful reusable launch system ever conceived. CEO Elon Musk expresses confidence that the vehicle will achieve orbit within the coming year.

Musk's Presentation to the National Academies

These statements were made during a virtual meeting hosted by the National Academies’ Space Studies Board and Board on Physics and Astronomy. The discussion, entitled “SpaceX Starship Discussion,” allowed Musk to address inquiries from Academy members regarding the system’s technical specifications and operational plans.

Musk anticipates the completion of work on the launch pad and launch tower at Starbase, located in Boca Chica, Texas, before the end of this month. The initial orbital launch is currently targeted for January 2022.

Launch Schedule and Associated Risks

Following the first attempt, SpaceX plans to conduct potentially a dozen or more additional launches throughout 2022, according to Musk. However, he cautioned that success is not guaranteed.

“A significant degree of risk is inherent in this initial launch,” Musk stated. “While complete success isn’t probable, substantial advancements are expected to be made.”

Regulatory Hurdles and FAA Review

Securing regulatory approval represents another key challenge. SpaceX’s operations at Starbase are currently subject to an environmental assessment by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA has indicated it will conclude this review by December 31st. This timeline aligns with Musk’s plans for a January launch, assuming all approvals are received.

Future Launch Costs and the Artemis Program

Musk projects that Starship launch prices could become lower than those of the Falcon 9 within approximately two years. This timeframe is even sooner than the schedule outlined in SpaceX’s proposal for NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS).

SpaceX was awarded the sole contract to develop the HLS, which will be responsible for transporting astronauts to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program. The Artemis 3 mission, the first crewed lunar landing since the Apollo era, is currently scheduled for launch in 2025.

Here's a summary of key points:

• Starship is the largest reusable launch system ever designed.
• Elon Musk anticipates an orbital launch attempt in January 2022.
• Regulatory approval from the FAA is crucial for the launch schedule.
• Starship launch costs are projected to be lower than Falcon 9 within two years.
• The HLS will facilitate human lunar landings under the Artemis program.

Starship's Rapid Advancement

The sheer magnitude of the Starship program, encompassing both the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy booster, is unprecedented when contrasted with all previous launch systems. When fully assembled, its height reaches 394 feet, exceeding the 322-foot stature of NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion combination.

Starship possesses the potential to deliver over 100 tons to orbit repeatedly, functioning as a versatile transport system throughout our solar system, as envisioned by Elon Musk.

Ambitious Production Goals

Musk’s vision extends far beyond a limited number of vehicles; he suggests that approximately 1,000 launch systems may be necessary to establish a truly multiplanetary existence for humanity.

To facilitate this, SpaceX is actively constructing a factory dedicated to the large-scale production of Starship vehicles – approaching mass manufacturing capabilities.

Recent Development Milestones

Development is progressing at a significant pace. In May, SpaceX successfully launched and landed the 15th Starship prototype.

This test flight achieved an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet, marking the first instance of a test concluding with the vehicle remaining undamaged.

The Long-Term Vision

“SpaceX’s primary objective is to propel space technology forward, enabling humanity to become a multiplanetary and ultimately, a spacefaring civilization,” Musk explained to members of the National Academies.

He further emphasized the importance of this endeavor for the enduring continuation of consciousness.

“Realizing the concepts often found in science fiction, and moving them beyond the realm of fiction, is a crucial step.”

The complete presentation can be viewed here: