SpaceX Gears Up For Tests Leading To Starship’s Second Orbital Launch Attempt

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SpaceX is moving forward with its crucial Starship flight test 2 after a spectacular attempt earlier this year that set the firm back by quite a bit as it had to rebuild its launch pad and reevaluate and overhaul several systems on its rocket. Since the April test attempt, SpaceX has poured concrete over the launch site and installed a new plate based cooling system to divert the rocket's heat away at launch.

Now, the firm is ready to see how the rocket stacks up on the site as it has transported the Super Heavy booster to the pad for testing ahead of the flight. However, images of the booster shared by SpaceX suggest that it will have to return to SpaceX's manufacturing facilities since it does not feature the crucial vents to divert the second stage's flames from the tanks during stage separation nor the external coverings for the engines.

So far, July has been a good month for the second Starship flight. Not only has SpaceX started to pour concrete at the site, but it also recently conducted a test of the water cooling deluge system earlier this week. This test was followed up by a pressure test of the Super Heavy booster that saw its exterior turn frosty after super chilled liquids were poured into its tanks.

SpaceX has shared more details about its progress for Starship flight test 2. In a tweet made yesterday the firm shared images of the first stage booster on its way to the launch pad. It added that the rocket iwas shipped to the pad for 'testing' but did not specify which tests will occur. Images of the Super Heavy booster don't show a venting system on its top which is crucial