Starship Flight Test 3: Analysis, Updates, and What's Next

🚀The launch site infrastructure and tower base are in good condition, despite some minor warping.

🛰️The attitude control system experienced issues, resulting in the Starship's slow rotation during the coast phase.

❄️Chunks of ice and heat shield tiles were observed floating away from the Starship during the coast phase.

🔧SpaceX is working on improvements to address issues with the attitude control system, roll vents, and heat shield.

🚀✨Flight test 4 is expected to take place in approximately 6 weeks, without any satellites on board.

Why did the Starship appear to be low on propellant during engine cutoff?

—Speculation suggests that SpaceX loaded less propellant to avoid the need to dump excessive amounts, which caused issues in previous flights.

What caused the Starship to slowly rotate during the coast phase?

—The attitude control system experienced a loss of control, leading to the Starship's rotation. The exact cause is still being determined.

What were the chunks seen floating away from the Starship during the coast phase?

—The chunks included ice and heat shield tiles, indicating possible issues with the heat shield.

What improvements is SpaceX working on to address the issues?

—SpaceX is focusing on improving the attitude control system, roll vents, and heat shield to ensure better performance and reliability in future flights.

When can we expect the next flight test?

—Flight test 4 is expected to occur in approximately 6 weeks, without any satellites on board.

00:00The launch site infrastructure and tower base are in good condition, with only minor warping observed.

05:40During the coast phase, the Starship began to slowly rotate, indicating issues with the attitude control system.

06:53Chunks of ice and heat shield tiles were observed floating away from the Starship during the coast phase.

08:18SpaceX is working on improvements to address issues with the attitude control system, roll vents, and heat shield.

09:08Flight test 4 is expected to occur in approximately 6 weeks, without any satellites on board.