This past Monday, October 13, Starship Version 2 launched for the last time, ending its two-year run on a high note. The Megarecket test flight of the Megaretthet marked the final launch of this Starship, paving the way for a larger, improved version equipped with more efficient raptor engines.
Starship’s Version 3 is set to launch in 2026, marking the start of Spacex’s Orbital testing of its launch vehicle. This version of the star will carry payloads into orbit and fly on missions to the moon and Mars. The upgraded vehicle will be 5 feet (1.5 meters) longer, capable of carrying more thrust, and equipped with new docking adapters for in-orbit power transmission.
Stars are meant to fly
Starship’s latest flight was another great success. Spacex conducted several in-flight demonstrations in preparation for the launch of an improved version of the rocket. The prototype of the second generation orbited in a sub-trajectory, similar to its previous missions, and sent starlink simulators.
Starship’s last two flights were successful, but followed a string of mission failures that created the first three rocket launches of the year. Although version 2 ended on a high, it was a chaotic run. However, the company is now turning its attention to an improved version of its rocket.
“The focus now turns to the next generation of astronauts and super-heavies, with many vehicles currently in active construction and preparing for tests,” Spacex wrote in a statement. “This next innovation will be used for the first interstellar flights, payloads, satellites, and more as we make Weatale a complete and reusable vehicle for orbiting Earth, the moon, Mars, and beyond.”
The next-generation update on the current prototype proves a bigger car that can carry more thrust. The rocket will also use a more powerful and efficient version of its engines, third generation engines.
“And we’re getting energy storage upgrades, tons of flexible avionics — a lot of things that will make the mission longer,” Spacex spokesman Dan Huot said during the launch of the 11th Test Flight.
In order to prepare the rocket to get riang above the ground of the organ, the company also needs to equip the unity with the transfer system of the ship that sent when the vehicle is renewed in space.
“One notable thing that you’re going to start seeing outside is these new decking adapters, which we’re going to use when we bring the two stars together for transfer,” Huot said. “That’s the main star-killing power we’re going to show next year.”
As with any new car prototype, there will be a learning curve with the next generation star. During an interview in September, Spacex founder Elon Musk revealed that everything is changing in the rocket with version 3.
Considering the new development of the rocket, it may take a while for the magic to be 3 to fill those orbital flights. Musk had previously said he would like to send an unmanned spacecraft to Mars during the next launch window next year, but it is unclear whether the rocket will be ready to travel to the new world by then.
