SpaceX Starship Fully Stacked for First Launch Attempt

SpaceX Achieves Historic Starship Stacking Milestone

SpaceX has reached a pivotal point in the development of its Starship, a fully reusable launch system. The company successfully stacked the Starship spacecraft atop a prototype of its Super Heavy booster.

The Super Heavy booster is equipped with a full array of 29 Raptor rocket engines, while the Starship itself incorporates six. This assembled configuration currently stands as the tallest rocket ever constructed.

First Full System Integration

This stacking event, conducted at SpaceX’s Texas facility, marks the first time the two primary components of the complete Starship system have been joined. This integrated form will be utilized for the upcoming test flight, intended to reach orbital velocity.

The combined height of the launch system approaches 400 feet – specifically, around 390 feet. When including the orbital launch stand, the total height reaches approximately 475 feet, exceeding the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Preparations for Further Testing

While the stacking is a remarkable achievement, it is not expected to be a permanent configuration. The two sections will likely be disassembled for further refinement, analysis, and testing.

This process will precede a reassembly phase, ultimately preparing the system for the actual orbital launch attempt. The timeline for this orbital test remains uncertain.

Ongoing Development and Updates

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has provided updates regarding the next steps following the separation of the two Starship components. He indicated that the immediate focus will be on completing the installation of the final heat shield tiles on the Starship spacecraft.

According to Musk, this task is approximately 98% complete. Additional work includes applying thermal protection to the booster engines, establishing ground propellant storage, and installing a Quick Disconnect (QD) arm for the spacecraft.

Regulatory Hurdles Remain

Securing a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is another crucial step. This approval is contingent upon the completion of an environmental assessment, a process that may require several months.

Stream above from NASASpaceflight.

The company remains committed to conducting the orbital launch test before the year's end, despite the ongoing preparations and regulatory reviews.