Elon Musk’s SpaceX is striving to launch its next-generation Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster to orbit from Texas before the end of 2023. The company recently announced via Twitter that it has installed upgrades like a vented interstage and heat shield atop the Super Heavy Booster 9 in preparation for the ambitious test flight.
The first orbital launch attempt of the Starship prototype SN15 in April reached an altitude of 39 km but ended early due to engine issues. SpaceX has since made over 1000 design changes and upgrades to improve the rocket’s chances of achieving orbit on the next try.
One key addition is the vented interstage now visible atop Booster 9. This allows for a seamless “hot staging” separation process where the Starship’s upper stage engines ignite while the Super Heavy’s lower engines are still firing. The vented design manages heat during the complex engine ignition and separation sequence.
Musk estimates the chances of success for the upcoming test flight at 60%, significantly higher than the initial orbital launch attempt. The innovative hot staging separation method can potentially improve payload capacity to orbit by around 10% compared to traditional staging techniques.
The vented interstage essentially acts as both a heat shield and a vent, allowing exhaust from the Starship’s engines to pass through the gap during the separation process. Recent pictures show the intricate stainless steel engineering of the extended interstage.
If SpaceX can demonstrate successful testing of the integrated Starship and Super Heavy system in orbit this year, it may usher in a new era for the company’s reusable rocket technology and spaceflight capabilities. But many challenges remain before the massive 394 ft rocket can become operational.
