SpaceX is on the cusp of one of the most ambitious tests in its history. Starting in March 2025, the company plans to demonstrate the feasibility of orbital resupply testing between two of its Starship spacecraft , a critical step toward the company’s next goals, which include missions to the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
SpaceX’s historic orbital resupply test
SpaceX plans to launch two Starships into space , first sending one into low-Earth orbit and then weeks later, the second ship will join in to perform the propellant transfer. This will be the first time this type of maneuver has been attempted on a large scale .
According to Kent Chojnacki, deputy program manager for NASA’s Human Landing System , once achieved, the transfer of large amounts of fuel out of Earth’s atmosphere will open up new opportunities for longer, more ambitious missions.
A collaboration with NASA for the Artemis program
In addition to being a major breakthrough for SpaceX, the resupply test has a crucial component for NASA, which relies on Starship to carry out its Artemis mission . NASA’s $4.05 billion contract with SpaceX seeks to develop vehicles capable of landing on the lunar surface.
Unlike NASA’s traditional SLS rockets, Starship promises a reusable model, making it a cheaper and more efficient option for future space missions.
In-orbit refueling is key to NASA’s missions and has long-term implications for Mars exploration . SpaceX has highlighted that with in-space fuel transfer technology, it will be possible to transport large amounts of cargo and establish bases on other celestial bodies , such as the Moon and Mars, far beyond what is possible with current methods of delivering fuel from Earth.
Next goals: From testing to lunar deployment
The testing process will span several months, with a critical design review of Starship scheduled for 2025. In the meantime, NASA continues to work alongside SpaceX to ensure the craft meets the rigorous requirements for a Moon landing in 2026 .
Future design upgrades and advancements in Starship propulsion technology will be key to this project, which could transform the way we think about space exploration.
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Source: TechCrunch
Photo: Shutterstock
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