Raptor 3 Fires Up, New Glenn Tests at Port & Starliner's Latest Update | This Week in Spaceflight

Get the latest spaceflight news: SpaceX's Raptor 3 engine fires up for the first time, Blue Origin conducts critical port procedures for New Glenn, and we get the latest update on Starliner’s return mission. Plus, Rocket Lab tests their Archimedes engine, ISRO reveals astronauts training in Houston, and much more! Stay tuned for your comprehensive weekly spaceflight update.
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🤵 Hosted by Ryan Caton (@DPodDolphinPro) & Elysia Segal (@elysia_segal)
🖋️ Written by Martijn Luinstra.
🎥 Footage from: Max Evans, D Wise, Space Coast Live, McGregor Live
SpaceX, Indian Government, NASA, Rocket Lab, marinetraffic.com, Blue Origin, Axiom Space, ESA, Stoke Space, Viasat, Impulse Space, CASC/CCTV, LeoLabs, Roscosmos, ISRO
✂️ Edited by Ryan Caton (@DPodDophinPro).
💼 Produced by Kevin Michael Reed (@kmreed).
🔍 If you are interested in using footage from this video, please review our content use policy: www.nasaspacef...
#SpaceX #BlueOrigin #NASA #Starliner #RocketLab #Raptor3 #NewGlenn #Spaceflight #RocketScience #SpaceExploration #SpaceTechnology #SpaceNews #Aerospace #RocketTesting #CrewDragon #SpaceMissions #SpaceIndustry #Falcon9 #ISS #Spacecraft #SpaceUpdates #ElonMusk #JeffBezos #SpaceInnovation #SpaceRockets #SpaceTech #SpaceResearch #RocketEngines #Starship

[@mikerat88]

Still can’t believe how clean R3 looks. Big congrats to all involved in the development.

[@KiRiTO72987]

Yeah first time I saw the first pics of the raptor 3 I thought for sure it was a rendering

[@qwerty112311]

It looks clean because a lot of the plumbing and electronics aren’t attached to it /s

[@JimMcTavish]

@@KiRiTO72987 I'm starting to think if I was stood right next to it, looking at it with my own eyes, it will still look like a rendering. It's bonkers in the best ways : )

[@yomanyo327]

@@JimMcTavish That ceramic coating is craaaaaazy!

[@sandysand3097]

Its internal

[@najmicreativetv9491]

seems Elysia and Jack pretty busy lately but props to Ryan on covering everything for this week

[@NASASpaceflight]

It's summer. A lot of travel and vacations happening. We'll get back to normal soon. --kmr

[@hupekyser]

I really like Ryans presenting style. Easy to listen to

[@WyoSavage1976]

Boeing should have figured the issues with Starliner a long time ago. NASA needs to ask for their money back.

[@filonin2]

Boeing is footing all the extra costs.

[@NibsNiven]

​@@filonin2Boeing has a "Cost Plus" contract with NASA. Boeing uses unqualified workers and substandard parts. Boeing has taken well over a decade and wasted billions and still hasn't delivered a working capsule. Boeing has been destroyed by Wall Street greed. Boeing is a disgrace.

[@NibsNiven]

@@WyoSavage1976 Goolag keeps deleting my replies!

[@NibsNiven]

@@filonin2 Boeing has a cost plus contract with NASA. They hired unqualified people who made substandard parts.

[@Overpet]

@@NibsNiven SLS is on a cost plus contract so is costing NASA a lot, but Starliner is not so these failures are costing Boeing a lot.

[@HouseGurke]

China is doing its best to ensure that the Kessler syndrome does not remain just a theoretical possibility

[@DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

Honestly, it might be in EVERY nation's best interests to sit down and agree upon on new terms for space use. Where if an upper stage _almost routinely_ turns itself into a cloud if space debris, that the company or country operating it willingly *_ceases_* it's operations until it can be rectified! This isn't any bias against China, either. Simply this: I don't know if those 700 pieces of debris is on the high side of low side for the other 3, but if all 4 of those breakups created an average of 500 pieces of _detectable_ debris, then it's safe to assume there's some that are too small to detect. All of that is to reiterate my opening point: it's in EVERYONE'S best interest to make sure that doesn't keep happening, as it eventually *will* become a problem! _(even at an orbit if only 800KM, space is _*_incredibly_*_ vast, so we're not yet at a huge risk of Kessler Syndrome, but that's why it needs to be addressed now, because it could easily begin to snowball before too long)_

[@MutheiM_Marz]

China and Russia on their way to test another Anti-Satellite Missiles for Education purposes

[@4DCResinSmoker]

@@DUKE_of_RAMBLE China's leaders doesn't really care, as the loss of earth orbit also denies the rest of the world access. Only the short term goals have any real meaning to them. Especially if they can use LEO to undermine a competitors position.

[@phantomg8313]

Cant wait to see raptor 3 fly!

[@TheNuclearBolton]

Elon still thinks he can make a version with 10% more thrust than the raptor 3

[@MrKellymcilrath]

Great TWIS Ryan & Elysia, Thank you NSF!

[@jac0m1n0]

Elysia's voice, pacing, smile, and mannerisms are awesome!

[@PoliticalAnimal87]

New Glenn is smaller than I expected, it's bigger than the Falcon 9 for sure, but it's got nothing on the Starship Behemoth

[@snakevenom4954]

Falcon 9 is massive. New Glenn is Gigantic and Starship is Enormous. They're all big rockets. Starship is just on its own level

[@thomasackerman5399]

Volumetrically, it takes about 4 F9s to equal one New Glenn. It takes only 2 New Glenns to equal one Starship Super Heavy.

[@briangodfrey7424]

If you look at the perspective in that shot you will notice that New Glenn is farther away from the camera than Falcon 9. That's why they look so similar in size.

[@Thefreakyfreek]

​@@thomasackerman5399 Thanks mate

[@MountainMan-ADK]

​@@thomasackerman5399starship is fully reusable vs only first stage on new Glenn. That's not even comparable

[@corrinastanley125]

Thanks Ryan and NSF team.

[@TimJSwan]

You don't get the joke? Raptor 3 was fully assembled, because it is a 3D printed tech. The CEO of ULA didn't even know what he was looking at, which is why Gwynne and Musk are poking fun at him.

[@WilboBaggins-dm7ub]

Hope you can explain starliner to us simple types

[@NASASpaceflight]

We have a video in the works, but news just keeps coming out. Slowing it down. --kmr

[@EMichaelBall]

Boeing is stuck in old ways with not the best engineers, and didn’t design a capsule with reliable enough thrusters they can trust to get the astronauts back home.

[@dphuntsman]

@@EMichaelBallWorse than that. Had thruster problems on uncrewed tests; and they never did a complete job of fixing the thrusters before flying crew, which is unacceptable in this business in the extreme. - Dave Huntsman

[@miguellopez3392]

boing holds power over nasa due to how many people it employs in key states, so its forcing nasa to push a unsafe, unreliable, and under-tested to service so they don't lose another major part of their space industry revenue to spaceX.

[@ianm7741]

Love your updates, keep up the good work, thanks.

[@gaius_enceladus]

Raptor 3 looks awesome! Sleek and smooth, like the interior of a Dragon capsule!

[@Jtretta]

I think Butch and Sunni would be safer just lying on the floor of crew 8's dragon for emegency evac than on strandliner. Scrounge some spare padding and straps from somewhere to make it a bit more comfy for them and they'd be fine.

[@logicalfundy]

The Raptor 3 engine moved a lot of components inside the metal casing, thanks to additive manufacturing. It's definitely fully assembled, otherwise it wouldn't be functional.

[@peteralthoff6920]

Thanks to Ryan & Elysia & Team

[@ryanodneal7001]

Wow, "Not Fully Assembled" cracks me all up. Str8 MEME

[@derneuburger546]

1:22 Imo, the mix of oxygen and methane is more on the fat side, for a cooler and safer (though less effective) burn maybe.

[@AvrahamStern48]

That's the point, the engines are supposed to be reusable. The rocket itself is light enough for it to allow it.

[@johndavid1611]

It also doesn't coke the hell out of the bottom of your booster like the Merlin engines do

[@martinsmith1395]

As a fellow Brit I love the dry delivery of phrases like "... creatively named "Landing Platform Vessel #1"

[@Slim-Pickens]

Does it still honk on shutdown?

[@Exalerion]

First signs indicate not.

[@beesod6412]

Thanks Ryan! Much appreciated!

[@dphuntsman]

Well done, Ryan and team.

[@plainText384]

New Glenn flight hardware is so beautiful. One of the best looking launch vehicles out there!

[@patriklindholm7576]

3:50: Glenn and Falcon were both displaying only their first stages at the port, Glenn also being more elevated on a higher stand thus but appearing slightly taller, albeit them both being roughly equal.

[@eliasalfredodossantos8291]

Boa tarde 🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇧🇷.

[@tmg7476]

Wow, three Ryan videos this week. Great job as always. Did you get a bonus?

[@raymondwarth2359]

Man for a partially Assembled engine it seems to work great.

[@mattcurrent00]

We did see that it was a fully assembled engine though, as Gwynne posted

[@erichter66]

This was a good podcast. I hardly ever hear about New Glenn. Can't wait for it to start flying regularly. They also need to make a crewed capsule. Boeing has lost its mojo. Scarry, since they make so many defense systems.

[@thomasjearson3193]

Thank you for this. Simple questions, simple answers.

[@kiwakatoraco8533]

14:40 “boost back burn startup”

[@larryrich327]

Bro where have you been, as soon as I started watching and liking this channel you were hosting and next I know they switched commentators by then I was hooked anyway thanks for the space info and glad to see you back doing videos 🖖

[@jenohathazi920]

Bravoo SpaceX, lets go IFT5

[@user-fr3hy9uh6y]

I'm surprised that no one asked about space suits. If Starliner departs the station unmanned, there is no place to plug in additional suits into their existing dragon lifeboat. If there were, is dragon compatable with starliner or soyuz suits. Is the current life support system on the dragon rated for seven people? I listened to the briefing, but i did not hear anyone ask the questions. I hope nothing happens between the starliner leaving and the next dragon arriving. Breathing on the way back would be a good thing.

[@cerad7304]

The suits are for emergencies. Plus they look really cool. The capsule itself has plenty of air for 7 people. The three extra passengers would basically strap themselves to the floor wherever they can. And hope for the best.

[@antenaseinterfacescb]

Amazing information and beautiful presentations congratulations. Yes 5 launches to SpaceX it's amazing, the ratio is very high. All info from all launches in a few minutes. Tks.❤

[@marvindomdey2840]

Judging from Mach diamond geometry the first Raptor 3 fireing was at

[@faisalsvideoworld]

impulse space will be very interesting to see in next few years

[@IsabellaIsabella-mc1tx]

Hi Ryan great ❤

[@Klaus293]

Exciting times! Great production.

[@Nuke-MarsX]

i didnt know you could fire engines over 100% thrust

[@Exalerion]

It probably means they are pushing it over the nominal operating conditions to see what happens.

[@Nuke-MarsX]

@@Exalerion yeah i guess that too

[@dalel3608]

Wooo, Blue sharing plenty with the new CEO is a great change, thanks Mr. Limp.

[@chisight7521]

I liked this team up. Elysia is lovely but is better in small doses and in places where her clear enthusiasm for the topic maybe comes through a bit less. Ryan, as usual, you Rock.

[@trentnordhagen]

My guy, it's 'Rocket Lab' not 'Rocket glab'

[@sdrc92126]

V3 is always the best

[@mikemyers7548]

How about "Owl be back" !!

[@alankott3129]

Owl we are saying, is give space a chance.

[@grax4131]

Guys....i really like new glen....

[@suntzuwu]

Sounds like no one is willing to make a decision that might come back and bite them. This is what happens when bureaucrats are in charge instead of engineers.

[@seangaylord426]

Since Crew Dragon was designed for up to seven crew, why can't they configure Crew 9 with "jump seats" to bring Crew-9+2 back in Feb, instead of leaving two astronauts behind next month?

[@rstomahawkty]

this week in spaceflight

[@maigurens]

2:28 “interesting” seemed comical to me 😂

[@yourlydontknowjack]

Guess would be that the archimedies engine burns fuel-rich thereby causing soot particles that'll color the flame yellow-ish (difference between a lab burner burning ox- or fuel rich, easy to test)

[@andrewbutler1137]

Look at the skin between ring 3 and ring 4 of New Glenn as it is lifted. It buckles and leaves clearly visible skin distortion when it is in the vertical. Happens between the 20 and 30 degree mark. Ouch!

[@NonBinary_Star]

omg! i just went back to look at that clip. i had to zoom in to see but there's def something going on there! id be suuuper interested in knowing what's going on with that!? it looks crumpled a bit. is there some way Scott Manley can be contacted to analyse this? if there's anyone who'd know what might be going on there it would be him. he'd def let us know in a vid after researching 🤔🤔

[@Starshipsforever]

It's a boilerplate, not the real thing. Those are just sheet metal covers on what would otherwise be a basic steel frame and those were seen distorted a long time ago. There is a little bit of real hardware, like the quick disconnects that were tested recently, and obviously the attach points for the breakover fixture ring and the crane lifting cap.

[@andrewbutler1137]

Okay. Boilerplate. How does that translate to an actual vehicle readiness launch schedule? Plus, why isn't the boiler plate not strong enough to lift without distortion?

[@ale131296]

@@andrewbutler1137the outer panels are just for aesthetics, the whole thing is only meant to simulate the weight distribution, size, and connections of the real thing. The real thing is already undergoing final integration and should roll to the pad in the coming weeks for pre-launch testing - they already moved the second stage for Flight 1 to the pad

[@Starshipsforever]

@@andrewbutler1137 Because it didn't. It's been like that for a while. It's only generally a mass & dimension simulator, with only a few pieces of "real" flight-like hardware. And I guess you've not paid any real attention. A full stack, real hardware cryogenic pathfinder went to the pad in February, then this went to the pad a month ago to do quick disconnect tests of the GSE, followed in rapid succession by an aft engine module for landing leg tests, and finally a full interstage to test RCS and fins. And now this proves out the breakover fixture for booster recovery.

[@sp00l]

There was a video along with her tweet "it works pretty well"

[@xfreDDersx_96]

I was on the understanding that "stayliner" was only able to be docked for 45 days, let alone it now being 60+

[@kargaroc386]

Segal: Cháng Zhēng Literally everyone else: Long March

[@davidbeem184]

Orange flame = low lox mix

[@Tea_N_Crumpets]

I'd guess that the cause of the colour of Archimedes' exhaust is probably the same as the reason why the Raptor has gone from purplish flame colour with Raptor 1 to more orange flames with Raptors 2 and 3. What exactly causes the colour change, I can't be sure, but I'd guess that it's caused by the engines running more fuel rich (maybe to reduce cooling requirements on the combustion chamber?), causing unburned methane to ignite in the exhaust plume when combined with atmospheric oxygen.

[@TheDaexiled1]

I have a feeling that with the power of the R3, less fuel will be needed for basic launches or full tank for heavier cargo

[@causewaykayak]

Great newsy stuff. Its nice to hear fluent English. So that's a Sub from me.

[@DavesCornerOfTheWorld]

Methane burning at peak temperature is blue, its yellow or red burning at lower temperatures. This might be expected since its sideways on a test stand for a short duration rather than on a rocket.

[@patmancrowley8509]

If Starliner is not good enough to return do you just evict the two astronauts? Throw them out the airlock?

[@Anymal104]

@patmancrowley8509 is kinda sus

[@4DCResinSmoker]

They can move into your mums basement after she evicts you.

[@hitmewitdarock]

Yes, the pathfinder vehicle is larger than a booster that has been to space ~10 times and is covered in soot from reentry 😂

[@satweavers1]

During Spin Prime Testing, I understand that the tanks are loaded and then LOX and Methane are pumped through the engines without ignition. This means there is a significant amount of Methane vented to atmosphere. I understand Methane is also vented to atmosphere to regulate pressure in the fully fueled tanks. How much Methane is routinely released during the entire coure of preparing one booster? Multiply this by the projected increased incidence of Starship launches and how much Methane will routinely be released during the course of this program going forward? Methand is 10 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. I would like to see an episode focusing on this detail. While I have seen videos discussing the ecological impact of rocket launches, none have touched upon this detail.

[@SarahKchannel]

The different color of the Archimedes flame is most likely due to different cooling method/material of the trust chamber.

[@jaeluatl]

Dude, what do you mean it remains to be seen we just saw the damn thing firing lol

[@kylegrassmid3663]

Someone needs to ask Blue Origin in the most serious tone, how the creative processed came to the name of LPV1. LMAO

[@harryvlogs7833]

It's clear the fuel ratio isn't correct on the rocket lab engine as that's the only time methane burns orange

[@Qwarzz]

Being careful and running it fuel rich for now?

[@harryvlogs7833]

@@Qwarzz probably

[@QuasariumDynamiX]

I’m a former investor in rocket lab. I only sold because I just had like 10 bucks in it and made like 4 bucks or so, but I think Rocketlab knows what they’re doing. Don’t worry, I’m a KSP player too, so I don’t just take their word for it.

[@harryvlogs7833]

@QuasariumDynamiX no very clearly fuel ratio isn't correct probably so they can components without destruction of the engine

[@Qwarzz]

@@QuasariumDynamiX Yes, they definitely know what they are doing and they could be running it fuel rich on a purpose. This would mean that the fuel ratio isn't correct as in not the optimal one for best efficiency. I'm sure we'll see it burn much cleaner later this year.

[@richb2229]

Gwynn Shotwell was on point! 😂 She provided a picture of the fully assembled Raptor engine in operation. And there has been other photos from SpaceX showing the engine in operation. In fact some of the photos were shown in this presentation but they were cropped not to show the entire engine. I am not sure why this channel want to hide this and keep the speculation going? SpaceX also discussed some of the technology that went into the new design.

[@iamzid]

if there is unburned methane being dumped into the exhaust or it is running fuel rich then i think it would make the flame orange.

[@tonyhaslam186]

If it’s not safe for a normal return, it’s not safe for an emergency return. It’ll just be a final option.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

anyone who engages in risk management (like nasa) understands that safety is not a binary property. rather, each potential problem has a severity, a probability, and an uncertainty. based on analyses of these properties, using starliner is far safer than any scenario that would prompt the evacuation of the iss. nonetheless, it is not known to be sufficiently safe for normal use.

[@Nuke-MarsX]

i dont understnad whats so hard about taking the L and just letting crew dragon return the stronauts and prevent a catastrophe

[@TheNheg66]

​@@Nuke-MarsX Starliner is unable to go without crew in it's current state - they can't just send it back empty.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

@@TheNheg66 nasa clarified this at their press conference. starliner is capable of departing without crew. the specific concern they have is about what happens if starliner has another issue while it's still close to the iss. the starliner software is currently configured to ask the astronauts what to do if something seems to be wrong. nasa wants starliner to be able to get away from the station autonomously under all circumstances. we don't care if the starliner blows up as long as it does it somewhere else.

[@owensparks5013]

Nothing is "safe", there's just a different threshold applied for different scenarios.

[@fjg109g6]

New Glen is “potentially” a heavy lift rocket, as it hasn’t even lifted itself, let alone a payload…

[@MLG85]

What’s the go with the flappy arm??

[@theOrionsarms]

New Glenn looks like a complete vehicle, with working RCS thrusters and all that needs for a successful flight, unlike Starship that uses tanks venting for maneuvering in space, actually Elon itself said that flight3 failed because a piece of ice destroyed one of those maneuvering valves.

[@4DCResinSmoker]

There is a big difference between a functioning / safe spacecraft and BO's WIP mockup.

[@theOrionsarms]

@@4DCResinSmoker the mockup doesn't have working RCS thruster, you get confused, Blue has real flight hardware too, beside the mockup that was used for training the personal for various maneuvering techniques, and that real flight hardware has the RCS thrusters and working landing legs to for example, also would be flying in two months so your argument that isn't ready is false.

[@ANGRY_AMERICAN]

The yellow flame from a met/ox engine is from running it rich on fuel, A fuel rich mix is used to reduce combustion and exhaust temperature. This same process is used in every type of motorsports racing engines

[@ale131296]

Every methalox engine to date has run at a fuel rich mixture

[@-danR]

The color is due to methane 'sweat-cooling". A film of the propellant is bled through slots in the chamber throat wall. Being oxygen-deficient, the downstream pyrolized and carbonized CH4 products heated to incandescent yellows and oranges. This strategy is used in the Raptor engines as well, and dates back to the German V2, with ethanol injection.

[@ANGRY_AMERICAN]

@@-danR Agreed I was mostly pointing out that a slight mixture difference between reliable reuse to RUD. Back when I did speedway carts we had a digital tach and exhaust temp with a mix adjuster because 2 stroke produced max HP when tuned on the edge of melting down. Raptor 3 is a beast of innovation and can't wait to see more

[@4DCResinSmoker]

Odds are they're testing running fuel rich. Hence the orange flame.

[@dr4d1s]

The more subscribers NSF amasses, the worst the comment section gets. It's inevitable but sad.

[@4DCResinSmoker]

Then don't read it.

[@Papershields001]

I still think they could use lighter more simplified landing legs for RTLS

[@richardzeitz54]

Starliner is considered safe because NASA is accepting greater risk? Sounds like a strange definition of "safe." Is it safe? Yes, it's risky.

[@charlespelletier1246]

What a shame that Boing has fallen so far. Used to be a great company. Need better leadership.

[@kargaroc386]

Leaning tower of Starlink

[@ClausB252]

3:58 Not yet.

[@DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

So over the years, with *_all_* of these problems and *_all_* of these setbacks, Boeing needs to ask itself: was transitioning from an engineer-run company to a beancounter-run company, *_REALLY_* the best financial decision for the company?? I'm no expert, but I'm feeling like that answer is a resounding "No." 😒

[@HermieWasHere]

@NASASpaceflight Have you guys thought of using chapters for the video.

[@qwertyemmac]

Y'all forgot Polaris Dawn!

[@ale131296]

Where?

[@zachb1706]

@@ale131296launch date was announced

[@TheMTrider16]

Better explanation of Starliner than Berger.

[@denisdanilin8732]

intresting

[@rory-red]

they willing to risk someone elses life when it's not theirs.

[@charleslord2433]

A doubleheader!

[@WilliamBusuttil]

10-08-2024. A copper base metal would make the exhaust flames yellowish red,

[@4DCResinSmoker]

Wouldn't be surprised if Blue Origin is staffed by former Boeing employees. Which wouldn't bode well for the program.

[@MadSquidd]

We need timestamps!

[@Beyersdoerfer]

Cool

[@dbreardon]

I would not like to come down on Starliner. First, you need thrusters to make sure you properly enter the atmosphere. You also need them to maintain orientation in the very high atmosphere. I am not sure about Starliner specifically but many capsules as well as the Space Shuttle use "S" curves when hitting the lower atmosphere to bleed off speed during approach which also require thrusters. As for Blue, I am pretty disappointed in their progress.......and I have been a huge fan since they were the first production level rocket to ever land in an upright position. I think they are 6 months or more away from launch. Their landing ship is not even in florida....it has to cross the atlantic. Then they haven't even tested or done a full recovery scenario and then make adjustments. And even when they do finally fly, if they don't hit their landing, I am not even sure if Blue has backup ship in production. Plus, the have their hands in ramping up engine production and are under the gun to get their moon lander solidified. To me, "slow and steady" is very different from crawling ahead millimeter by millimeter hope you will see steady progress

[@AngeloXification]

Boeing and acceptable risk in the same sentence lol

[@ryanhamstra49]

If they do return on crew dragon, how will that work for things like suit connections to the spacecraft? Are the air and power connections universal between spacecraft?

[@TopwizSoft]

The dragon will bring SpaceX suits and seat cushions sized for them.

[@tomholroyd7519]

When will the international courts start addressing space (and reentry) pollution? There needs to be an international law and consequences for this behavior.

[@chadwynia5021]

Isnt dragon designed for 6 people? Why not just add 2 extea seats.

[@ryanodneal7001]

Competing with SX for talent is nuts. And years behind is wayyyyyyyy behind.

[@tuttappanna1]

Rapto 3 is beautiful Elon

[@anml1969]

SpaceX runs crewed missions. Boeing runs a crude one.