Elon Musk’s SpaceX has redesigned some parts of its colossal Mars-bound Starship to improve its stability and control.
The most notable change is the removal of a landing fin from the Super Heavy booster, which will now use three redesigned grid fins that are 50% larger and stronger to improve vehicle control during descent.
The announcement was made on Wednesday via a post on X, where SpaceX shared images revealing the complex, honeycomb-like surface of the new grid fins.
Interestingly, these fins are said to be among the largest aerodynamic control surfaces ever built for a rocket.
Weighing in on the redesign, SpaceX CEO Musk shared the company’s announcement on X, adding a characteristically concise comment: “Best part is no part.”
Reports cite the development in the wake of recent test flight failures.
Improving descent and catch
To control the rocket’s position and flight path during descent and re-entry, grid fins manipulate the air passing through them.
With their larger surface area and increased strength, the new grid fins will give the booster greater maneuverability to descend at a steeper, more controlled angle during the landing phase.
The new fins are also being integrated into the booster’s recovery system.
These redesigned parts will align with the launch tower’s catch arms, which are designed to grab the descending booster out of the air.
SpaceX has added a new catch point to the booster and mounted the fins lower to align well with the tower’s arms. This change allows the tower to catch the returning rocket directly, eliminating the need for a landing pad.
Reportedly, the lower position of the fins also protects them from the intense heat of the rocket’s engines.
Moreover, the social media post mentioned that the fins’ internal parts, like the shaft, are now inside the booster’s main fuel tank for better protection.
Previous failed attempts
The path to Mars hasn’t been smooth for SpaceX and its ambitious Starship program.
The redesign comes after the most recent failed test flight for the fully integrated rocket in May.
After the test flight, the Super Heavy booster failed to return to its launchpad and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico instead.
The main ship, meanwhile, continued its flight over the Indian Ocean before it too exploded.
In another incident in June, the rocket’s upper stage exploded while on a test stand during preparations for SpaceX’s tenth Starship flight.
The company is gearing up for its 10th orbital flight test, a critical demonstration of the new design.
Reportedly, the next Starship launch attempt could occur as early as Saturday, August 16, with a launch window between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm local time.
SpaceX typically keeps launch dates under wraps until closer to the time.
It is based on maritime hazard warnings from the US, which cover the waterways and sea areas around SpaceX’s Starbase facility in southern Texas.
“Navigation hazards from rocket launching activity may include, free-falling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components, under various means of control,” the advisory noted, as the Independent reported.
Musk indicated in an X post earlier this month that SpaceX was aiming to launch Starship in mid-August.
The billionaire has set an ambitious goal to send the world’s largest rocket, with Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus on board, to Mars by the end of 2026.
Given the recent failures and NASA’s budget cuts, the plan may be subject to further delays.