Booster 7 full engines back to the launch site, Chopsticks are working perfectly after fixing!
In an exciting update from SpaceX, the Booster 7 has successfully rolled back to the launch site, featuring its complete array of 33 Raptor 2 engines. This marks a pivotal moment as not a single engine is missing, hinting at significant progress ahead of a potential launch. The transportation of Booster 7 was carried out smoothly, and shortly after its arrival, the booster was lifted onto the orbital launch mount (OLM) using the newly repaired Chopsticks.
These Chopsticks had undergone a major hydraulic overhaul, allowing them to handle loads beyond their own weight for the first time. This upgrade is crucial for the upcoming static fire test campaign, scheduled for August 24 and 25. In preparation for this, SpaceX has been busy enhancing their facilities, including the installation of blast shields and flame diverter panels at sub-orbital pad B, ensuring a robust setup for testing.
Elon Musk continues to focus on the dual priorities of launching Starship to orbit and expanding Tesla's Full Self-Driving capabilities. Although timelines have slipped, notably from Musk's initial projections to send humans to Mars by 2022, progress is being made. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to green-light a launch license, which is essential for proceeding.
The current testing may also see enhancements to the Starlink satellite constellation, as SpaceX adapts its strategies to launch these innovative satellites aboard Falcon 9 rockets instead of waiting solely for Starship, which remains in development.
Overall, with a busy week ahead at SpaceX, these recent developments signal a promising direction for the space endeavors of Elon Musk and his team. Keep an eye on SpaceX as they aim for historic launches, and feel free to share your thoughts or any related experiences you have about space exploration!