SpaceX is preparing for the 14th test flight of its Starship spacecraft, currently scheduled for September 22. The company has implemented several upgrades to the vehicle's thermal protection system to improve durability and performance during ascent.
Key modifications include the addition of extra attachment mechanisms in high-risk areas prone to tile detachment. Engineers have also addressed plasma circulation paths behind the tiles and introduced curved tile designs in specific sections to minimize heat buildup within the gaps.
In a significant milestone for the program, SpaceX will reuse two heat shield tiles salvaged from Ship 40 on the new Ship 41 vehicle. This marks the first time the company has attempted to recycle thermal protection components on a Starship craft.
Ship 40 previously completed the 13th test flight and underwent a period of ocean exposure following its splashdown. Meanwhile, Elon Musk announced that the deployment of Starlink V3 satellites is set to begin this month.
