Draft:Starship Propellant Transfer Demonstration
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| Mission type | Flight test |
|---|---|
| Operator | SpaceX |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | Starship |
| Manufacturer | SpaceX |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | NET 2025 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
The Starship Propellant Transfer Demo is expected to occur in 2025.[1] A similar test occured during Starship's third test flight, though the transfer during that test was between two tanks on the same vehicle.[2] The ability to refuel a Starship in low orbit is critical for the Artemis program, as Starship HLS requires approximately ten tanker launches to reach the lunar surface.[3]
Mission profile
[edit]The mission profile for the Starship Propellant Transfer Demo will begin with the first launch. This launch will deliver the upper stage into orbit around the earth, while the first stage returns to the launch site for a catch. The second launch will repeat this profile three to four weeks later, and dock with the first starship.[4] Once docked, the vehicles will use a pressure differential between them to force propellant from the second vehicle into the first.[1] After this is complete, the two ships will undock, and reenter.[1]
Payload
[edit]The second launch in the propellant transfer will fly an unknown amount of propellant as its payload.[1] In order to prevent the propellant from boiling during the vehicle's time in orbit, signifcant insulation and vacuum jacketing will be added to the propellant lines inside the vehicle.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Clark, Stephen (April 30, 2024). "NASA lays out how SpaceX will refuel Starships in low-Earth orbit". Ars Technica. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
- ^ Chang, Kenneth (March 14, 2024). "SpaceX Blazes Forward With Latest Starship Launch". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
- ^ Clark, Stephen (April 30, 2024). "NASA lays out how SpaceX will refuel Starships in low-Earth orbit". Ars Technica. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ Beil, Adrian (April 28, 2024). "NASA Updates on Starship Refueling, as SpaceX Prepares Flight 4 of Starship". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
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