Commercial Space Update
This week in commercial space news, there have been significant developments at SpaceX's Starbase. Work is progressing on the Starship, with multiple flexible cryogenic hoses being reinstalled at the back of the booster quick disconnect. This new system allows for a more seamless and automated process compared to traditional flex hoses. The launch infrastructure at Starbase is being designed to support multiple launches per day.
Assembly work is also happening at the orbital launch mount, with cryogenic pipes being reinstalled. The damaged structure known as the doghouse is being repaired, and it is expected that the manifolds will be placed in strategic locations. Protective covers have been added to the manifolds, and segments of the piping system are being lifted into place.
Ship 25 at Pad B is undergoing testing, including a successful spin prime test. The ground fabrication building has been dismantled, and speculation suggests it will be rebuilt at a different location. The assembly of the second megabay is progressing, and work is being done to expand the electrical network at the site.
Construction updates on future vehicles include the assembly of Booster 12 and the stacking of the methane tank. Ship 28's payload bay door has been removed.
It's perplexing why they decided to remove the pez door from the ship, but at least it's still structurally stable. The removal process with the pez dispenser inside is a mystery. There are some intriguing upgrades to the nosecones of ship 30 and onward, including potential cold gas thrusters. This suggests the addition of reaction control hardware. In a recent article, NASA announced collaborations with seven US companies to advance space capabilities. SpaceX is included in the list, and there is speculation that Starship could become a space station in its own right. Other companies collaborating with NASA include Vast Space, Sierra Space, Blue Origin, Northrup Grumman, Special Aerospace Services, and ThinkOrbital.
Last week, Falcon 9 launched the Satria satellite to provide internet to the Indonesian archipelago. The satellite has a high throughput offering of around 150 gigabits per second. The launch featured the 12th landing of the Falcon 9 booster on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas." The Delta IV Heavy had a rare launch, marking its second last flight before retirement. Two Starlink missions were also conducted, deploying older version 1.5 satellites.
