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They're still working on getting Starship to orbit, reentry and demonstrating cryogenic fuel transfer in space (there seems to be a decent chance of the first h
by dotnet00 3y ago
They're still working on getting Starship to orbit, reentry and demonstrating cryogenic fuel transfer in space (there seems to be a decent chance of the first happening next month which would also allow for an attempt at the second, and maybe being able to demonstrate the third within the same ship too). Still a few steps to go before they can put a crew on-board and fly it out past the Moon. They've got to demonstrate reentry, the catching mechanism, orbital docking and refueling and life support.
For the catching mechanism they're going to want a second tower, for which the parts are only just starting to arrive at Starbase, so it'll probably be at least 6 months until that's assembled, and closer to 12 until it's through simpler testing and ready to take on a real catch. So probably a good 4-5 years until they're ready to put any humans onboard, and then another year or two after that to put complete amateurs onboard.
- idlewords 3y agoTheir contract with NASA also requires them to demonstrate an unmanned moon landing, and I suspect that would come before dear moon unless they really want to piss the agency off.