Unicorn
September 12, 2024
Unicorn News: The Latest in Space - September 12, 2024
SpaceX's Super Heavy rocket has made significant progress in wind tunnel testing at NASA's Ames Research Center. The data collected will be crucial for updating flight software and refining the design for future missions, including NASA's Artemis lunar landings.
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() Starship Super Heavy Advances in Wind Tunnel Testing at NASA Ames
SpaceX has recently conducted tests on a 1.2% scale model of the Super Heavy rocket at NASA's Ames Research Center. These tests, carried out in early 2024, involved exposing the model to wind speeds ranging from Mach 0.7 to Mach 1.4 in the transonic Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The primary objective was to evaluate the model's stability and aerodynamic performance. The data obtained from these tests will be used to update the flight software for the third flight of the Super Heavy and Starship, as well as to refine the exterior design of future booster versions. This testing is a crucial step for the success of NASA's Artemis campaign, particularly the Artemis III and Artemis IV missions, which aim to land humans on the Moon. The Super Heavy rocket is essential for launching the Starship human landing system, making its stability and performance vital for the success of these lunar missions.
