Chapter 1: The Countdown to Launch

The moment we've been waiting for is nearly here. In Texas, SpaceX is gearing up for the inaugural orbital launch of Starship and its Super Heavy Booster. Elon Musk hinted on Twitter that this monumental event could occur as soon as late February or early March. This revolutionary rocket has outshone NASA, captured global attention, and is set to reshape the space industry. However, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant implications for SpaceX.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable capabilities of Starship. It is the first fully reusable rocket in existence, a feat made possible by advancements stemming from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which can only reuse its booster since its main stage burns up upon reentry. In contrast, both the Super Heavy Booster and Starship can safely land back on Earth or other celestial bodies using retrorockets, allowing for multiple launches.

Additionally, Starship holds the title of the largest rocket ever constructed. It boasts the ability to transport over 150 tonnes to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and 100 tonnes to the Martian surface. This is achieved through an astounding thrust of 7.25 million kg at liftoff, nearly double that of NASA’s SLS rocket.

The full reusability of Starship, coupled with its impressive payload capacity, drastically lowers launch costs. Musk estimates that a Starship launch will cost around $10 million, translating to just $66 per kg to reach LEO. For perspective, a Falcon 9 launch costs $67 million, amounting to $2,719.30 per kg to LEO, while the SLS costs an eye-watering $2 billion per launch, which is a staggering $15,000 per kg to LEO! (Read more about SLS here).

This is why Starship is crucial for the future of space exploration. It opens the door to ambitious projects such as Starlink, lunar bases, crewed missions to Mars, and even rapid transcontinental travel.

Previously, SpaceX conducted tests with Starship alone, performing hop tests where the rocket ascended and then returned, landing safely (with a few exceptions). These tests refined the landing system and prepared Starship for a true orbital launch.

However, despite plans for an orbital launch last summer, delays occurred. One major factor was the environmental impact of the tests. One incident involved an explosion during landing, scattering debris at high speeds, which not only polluted the area but also endangered lives—one piece of debris nearly struck a photographer. The noise generated from these launches disturbed local wildlife and residents, prompting the FAA to withhold launch permits until these issues were addressed.

Though SpaceX has completed the FAA's requirements, they are still awaiting launch permits. The ongoing process of "stacking" Starship on the Super Heavy Booster indicates SpaceX's confidence in resolving these concerns soon. Nevertheless, the FAA's assessment encompasses more than just environmental concerns; it includes policy, payload, safety, airspace integration, financial accountability, and national security considerations, all of which can prolong the approval process.

Once launch clearance is received, all systems would be go, right? Not necessarily.

The development of Starship has placed a heavy financial burden on SpaceX. The cost of building and testing such a complex rocket system has strained their finances, prompting Musk to seek billions in funding. Although these funds are not traditional loans, there is an expectation for a return on investment, intensifying pressure on SpaceX to expedite development and operationalize Starship. (Read more here.)

SpaceX has already secured several launch contracts for Starship, including missions to deploy Japanese satellites in 2024 and serve as a lunar lander for NASA’s Artemis 3 mission in 2025. Even after the initial orbital launch test, further refinements will be necessary to ensure the Lunar lander is crew-safe.

Throughout 2023, SpaceX must have Starship ready for these launches. The contracts represent billions in potential revenue, and any delays could exacerbate the financial strain caused by Starship's development.

Even if the launch doesn't go as planned, SpaceX has the opportunity to test another prototype, with several already in production. It's worth noting that engineers often glean more insights from failed launches than from successful ones. However, time is of the essence, and SpaceX must accomplish a great deal of development within a single year.

If any company can achieve such rapid and unprecedented growth, it's SpaceX.

The excitement in the air is palpable; we are on the brink of a new era in human exploration. This moment feels akin to witnessing the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, Karl Benz with his Patent Motor Car in Mannheim, or Yuri Gagarin's first steps into space. I extend my best wishes to all the SpaceX team for their historic launch and look forward to witnessing their future endeavors.

The first video titled "SpaceX Starship Launch Imminent! What To Expect?" provides insights into the upcoming launch, highlighting key features of the Starship and what to anticipate during this critical event.

The second video titled "Starship Launch Imminent! Watch This Now!!!" delves into the countdown to the launch, offering a closer look at the preparations and expectations surrounding this groundbreaking moment in space exploration.