SpaceX and NASA are preparing to test the orbital refueling of the Starship
SpaceX has made two attempts to launch the Starship spacecraft into orbit. As part of the third test, the aerospace company and NASA plan to test the refueling technology in orbit.
NASA wants to test the viability of the concept of orbital refueling of the spacecraft. At the same time, the agency has not yet made a final decision on whether to conduct the test during the next Starship launch.
Three years ago, a quarter of a billion dollars was allocated from the US budget to test cryogenic fuel technology in Earth orbit. SpaceX will be able to receive $53 million if it succeeds in pumping fuel from one Starship tank to another.
This technology will be used in the test of docking two ships in Earth orbit. If successful, SpaceX will send an unmanned ship to the moon. If this mission also yields the desired result, Starship will be admitted to the Artemis III mission, in which American astronauts will land on the Moon for the first time since 1972.
Artemis III is scheduled for 2025, but is likely to be postponed due to delays. One of the problems is the development of Starship. In two attempts, the spacecraft failed to make a full orbital flight.
In the spring of 2023, Starship and Super Heavy exploded, entering an uncontrolled rotation at an altitude of about 40 km. The second test was more successful. SpaceX evaluated the performance of the Raptor engines and separated Super Heavy from Starship. However, the rocket booster exploded during the descent, and communication with the ship was lost.
Elon Musk said that the third test would take place 3-4 weeks after the second, but it is hard to believe. Regardless of the date, SpaceX must pump 10 tons of fuel inside the Starship, which is 120% of the volume required by the ship. Another important milestone will be the transfer of fuel between the two ships in orbit.
