Modified Starship readies for second test

SpaceX is poised to make a second test flight of the world’s biggest rocket, having made several design changes after the Starship’s debut flight had to be aborted soon after launch


STARSHIP
50m tall, 9m wide

SUPER HEAVY BOOSTER 
71m tall

121m
Human to scale


First test flight, Apr 20: Starship and booster fail to separate, rocket ordered to self- destruct


STAGE SEPARATION

New hot-staging system – where upper stage engines fire before booster engines are shut down – ensures continuous thrust throughout ascent

New venting ring and heat shield added to protect booster from exhaust


FLIGHT TEST
Around 90 minutes

Launch: Boca Chica, Texas

Splashdown: Around 100km northwest of Hawaii


INITIAL ENGINE FAILURE

At least five of 33 Raptor engines powering first stage fail to fire

Hydraulic system replaced by new electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC), allowing engines to be more isolated, thus avoiding cascading failures


LAUNCH MOUNT

During first test, immense power of engines pulverises launch pad, scattering debris and shrapnel into nearby shoreline

Reinforcement to foundations and new water-cooled steel flame deflector should prevent similar damage


TERMINATION
Self-destruct mechanism fails to respond immediately

SpaceX has refined system to ensure rapid response


Sources: SpaceX, NASA
Picture: Getty Images
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