The company recently completed the installation of the powerful Raptor engines and is continuing preparations to launch it into space on a test flight.
SpaceX works at a fast pace and seems to be getting closer every day to making the first orbital test flight of the Starship Super Heavy, its largest and most powerful rocket that in the future promises to be used to transport large loads to the Moon or Mars, and elsewhere. other space missions.
“Spacecraft on the orbital launch pad,” the company wrote this Friday in a Twitter post along with several photos that show how a giant crane completes the assembly of the huge rocket in Boca Chica, Texas (USA).
The founder and CEO of the company, Elon Musk, also shared a series of images in which the Starship SN20 can be seen on the platform, giving the impression that it will be launched soon. “Dream come true, “ the tycoon commented in a tweet.
Musk outlined four important items to CNBC that SpaceX has yet to complete over the next two weeks before launch: adding final thermal shield plates to the spacecraft, thermally protecting the Raptor engines, completing work on the propellant storage tanks in ground and add a quick disconnect arm on top of the newly built launch tower.
SpaceX seeks the Starship to be completely reusable rockets, significantly reducing their cost. The company intends to transport cargo and people to the Moon, Mars and other space missions. Each ship will be able to carry loads of more than 100 tons and 100 passengers at a time.
The company recently completed the installation of all 29 Raptor engines as it prepares to launch it into space. Starship SN20 will leave the atmosphere and re-enter its first orbit before attempting a soft splash off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai in the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy rocket will try to land in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Boca Chica. The flight is planned to last just over 90 minutes.
