Let's go! Fire & Ice <\/p>\n
NASA and SpaceX notched an important milestone for theirupcoming crewed lunar mission: test-firing a SpaceX engine from a cold start in order to simulate conditions in the extremely ice-cold vacuum of space, according to a statement from the space agency. <\/p>\n
SpaceX released video footage of the test on X-formerly-Twitter, showing the cold engine start of its Raptor engine last month. While lying face down, the engine successfully blasted a controlled jet of fire. <\/p>\n
NASA is planning to use a lunar variant ofSpaceX's Starship spacecraft for the agency's crewed Artemis missions to the lunar surface, slated for 2025. The lunar lander needs to operate from a cold start because NASA envisions that the spacecraft may have to sit in the frigid temperatures of outer space for a relatively long time compared to a mission orbiting the Earth, according to NASA. <\/p>\n
In 2o21, NASA awarded a $2.89 billion contract to SpaceX for its lunar lander. Last year, NASA awarded a contract option to SpaceX to further develop its Starship spacecraft. <\/p>\n
The test sets the stage for SpaceX's long-awaited, second orbital launch attempt. With a green light from the Federal Aviation Administration, the test flight could occur as soon as next month. <\/p>\n
The SpaceX test is notable not only for passing a crucial technological checkbox and cementing further the alliance between the company and NASA it's also a reminder of the burgeoning space race among world powers. <\/p>\n
For example, last month, India landed its Vikram spacecraft on the lunar surface, near the south pole of the Moon. <\/p>\n
A few weeks ago, Japan sent into orbit a satellite and a robotic moon landerthat will attempt to touch down on the surface after a long, meandering journey of several months. <\/p>\n
Earlier this year, China publicized its ambitious plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, ratcheting up its rivalry with the US. <\/p>\n
But the race to the Moon and beyond is not without its perils. Case in point: Russia, which has been trying to follow up on the successes of the Soviet Union's space program, crash-landed during its recent attempt to explore the Moon's surface last month. <\/p>\n
Despite these risky gambles, establishing a presence on the Moon is not just for international bragging rights. It serves as a launching pad to Mars and beyond and could reward countries with an abundance of space-based resources as well. <\/p>\n
More on SpaceX: Spacexs Botched Starship Launch Left Wildlife Officials Stunned <\/p>\n
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Follow this link: Let's go! Fire & Ice NASA and SpaceX notched an important milestone for theirupcoming crewed lunar mission: test-firing a SpaceX engine from a cold start in order to simulate conditions in the extremely ice-cold vacuum of space, according to a statement from the space agency. SpaceX released video footage of the test on X-formerly-Twitter, showing the cold engine start of its Raptor engine last month Continue reading
\nSpaceX Just Simulated a Lunar Landing With Its Rocket Engine - Futurism<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"