SpaceX is pumping 2 billion into Starship development

The – at least at first glance – unsuccessful launch attempt of the largest rocket ever built in the world on April 20, 2023 kicked up quite a bit of dust. The destroyed launch pad, flying debris and a huge cloud of dust and ash called the FAA into action.

SpaceX must now fully investigate the incidents during the launch attempt under supervision. Until the investigation is complete, SpaceX is barred from further Starship attempts. The starting ban should only be lifted when it is ensured that public safety will not be impaired.

SpaceX boss Elon Musk apparently sees no problem in the investigation – and is rather looking ahead. Another two billion dollars would be invested in Starship development later this year CNBC reports. The financial situation at the space company seems to be so good that no additional round of financing is necessary.

The next launch attempt could be in a few months if Musk has his way. Musk put the chance that the Starship will go into orbit next time at “probably” 80 percent. In any case, it will happen within the next twelve months.

A number of other Starship prototypes in various stages of development are available for the test flights. According to Musk, the goal of the upcoming missions is to learn as much as possible. Accordingly, the SpaceX engineers also celebrated the failed first attempt at launch as a partial success.

Musk, meanwhile, has revealed a few more details about it. Only 30 of the 33 Raptor engines fired. After almost half a minute, the connection to another engine failed. In addition, the heat shields around several other engines were destroyed.

After a minute and a half, the ground team completely lost control of the missile’s controls. It then took another 40 seconds for the rocket to be blown up by an appropriate automated system. Too long, Musk thought. This needs to be improved before the next attempt.

On the plus side, SpaceX noted that the rocket withstood the highest atmospheric pressure during the ascent. The achievement of this milestone, also known as “Max Q”, surprised even SpaceX. The Starship prototypes ready for further flight tests would also feature numerous improvements.

Next time, according to Musk, the 33 engines would have to be fired up completely and faster in order to get off the launch pad faster. This time it took about five seconds, which may have contributed significantly to the destruction. The start time should be reduced by half.

Interestingly, the launch pad is said not to have been damaged as badly as it appeared from the outside. According to Musk, the next launch attempt could take place in six to eight weeks. The FAA would have to give that a thumbs up though.

The authority’s critical view should focus primarily on the long period of time before automatic detonation. In the future, the launch ramp is to be contained by a water-cooled steel plate, which is still under construction. According to Musk, this was not finished in time on the first attempt.