Starship to master reusability and refueling in 2025

Starship is preparing for test flight 4 but SpaceX has already set its goal to master a key technology in 2025 to support future Starship space missions.

A launch plan shared by NASA Deputy Administrator Amit Kshatriaya revealed the “Starship HLS Prop Transfer Demon” plan. The plan describes achieving large-scale, Starship to Starship, cryogenic propellant transfer capability necessary for the Starship human landing mission.

The demo will include two Starships – A target and a Chaser.

Target

This starship will launch first and receive propellant during transfer. It has active docking mechanics and passive relative navigation features. After receiving the propellant, the target will perform a de-orbit burn.

Chaser

This second Starship will launch with propellant. It also has similar functions as the target vehicle. This will meet the target flight on orbit and command the propellant transfer.

Third Flight Test

Starship’s third flight test has achieved an important milestone in this direction. That includes an on-orbit demonstration of propellant transfer between tanks on a single Starship.

The space launch service provider has also completed a review of the mission architecture, high-level Starship, and hardware design. It has reviewed key subsystems, preliminary integrated models, and analysis.

The company is also working on the development of propellant transfer hardware. This includes build, test, and integration of:

1. Docking mechanism
2. Relative navigation sensors
3. Quick disconnects
4. Hot gas thrusters

SpaceX also has some objectives for next year’s Starship test including the launch of two Starship to meet in orbit. These ships will rendezvous and dock two Starships together. Starship will transfer propellant between two Starship, which is the primary goal for this demonstration.

“Full & rapid reusability of booster & ship and orbital refilling of the ship are the 2 fundamental technologies we aim to solve by the end of next year” Elon Musk, Founder of SpaceX reacted to this testing plan.