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Science

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Ptah

(33,825 posts)
Sun Apr 21, 2024, 03:32 PM Apr 2024

In my lifetime, space exploration has gone from Sputnik to multiple launches each week. [View all]

I am in awe of the magnificent machines we build.

Sputnik flashback




SpaceX Starship Expectations vs. Reality: Is There a Problem?



Welcome back my friends to an intriguing week. We have so many great things to finally dive deeper into around Starbase and Starship updates as they prepare for flight 4. Many have been asking about the 40-50 tonnes to orbit for the current Starship design which came as a surprise to all of us (including me) from Elon's presentation last week. What are the SpaceX Starship Expectations vs. Reality? Is There a Problem? Raptor is the key, and it is complicated. Do we also have a dry mass problem? Are they running engines at lower thrust for safety? Lots to speculate about today. We have Falcon 9 action as always. Also, Boeing Starliner is ready to fly, and we are finally getting ready for action, with Gilmour Space and their Eris rocket preparing to take its first flight from Queensland Australia!

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