SpaceX Starship IFT3 Launch: They’re Finally Ready!

Visit linqto.com/wai, use WAI500 at checkout & save $500 on your first Astranis investment with Linqto!
The Starship 28 saga continues! Rollout soon?
The flame trench at Massey’s is growing! What is this?
Astranis wants to revolutionize geostationary satellites! And Sierra Space is getting ready to launch the Dream Chaser!
#SpaceX #starship #elonmusk #starbase
▶️WAI Orbit: In collaboration with our friends at SkyFi: / skyfiapp
▶️WAI Hub: www.whataboutit.space
▶️Redline Helicopters: wai.to/redlineheli
▶️Merch Store US: whataboutit.myspreadshop.com/
▶️Merch Store EU: whataboutit.myspreadshop.de/
▶️Twitter: / felixschlang
▶️Instagram: / felixschlang
▶️Facebook: / waispace
▶️Patreon: / whataboutit
▶️WAI Spotify Playlist: spoti.fi/39tmULH
Editing: John Young, Alex Potvin, Stefanie Schlang
Photography: John Cargile, John Winkopp & Stefanie Schlang
3D Animation: Voop3D
Script & Research: Eryk Gawron, Oskar Wrobel, Felix Schlang
Host: Felix Schlang
Production: Stefanie & Felix Schlang
Graphics & Media Processing: Jonathan Heuer, Felix Schlang
Credit:
⭐SpaceX
⭐NASA
⭐TijnM on X: / m_tijn
⭐TijnM on KZbin: / @tijn_m
⭐Jessica Kirsh on KZbin: / @jessicakirsh
⭐Jessica Kirsh on X: / jessica_kirsh
⭐Ryan Hansen Space on KZbin: / ryanhansenspace
⭐Ryan Hansen Space on X: / ryanhansenspace
⭐Ryan Hansen Space on Patreon: / ryanhansenspace
⭐Starship 3D on X: / dstarship3
⭐Cosmic Perspective on X: / considercosmos
⭐Cosmic Perspective on KZbin: / cosmicperspective
⭐@JennyHPhoto for @SuperqlusterHQ
⭐ / @everydayastronaut
⭐SpaceX 3D Creation Eccentric on X: / bl3d_eccentric
⭐TDSN on X: / tdsn19
⭐ChromeKiwi on X: / ashleykillip
⭐SpaceX 3D Creation Eccentric on KZbin: / spacex3dcreationeccentric
⭐Alex Delderfield on X: / alex_adedge
⭐LabPadre on X: / labpadre
⭐LabPadre on KZbin: / labpadre
⭐VirtualSpace_3D on X: @Lolomatico3d
⭐VirtualSpace_3D on Patreon: / vs_3d
⭐Nick on X: / chameleoncir
⭐Jerry Pike on X: / jerrypikephoto
⭐Tony Bela on X: / infographictony
⭐Ryan Hansen Space on KZbin: / ryanhansenspace
⭐Ryan Hansen Space on X: / ryanhansenspace
⭐Virtual Space_3D on X: / lolomatico3d
⭐The Ring Watchers on X: @RingWatchers
⭐Lunar Caveman on X: / lunarcaveman
⭐The Space Engineer on KZbin: / thespaceengineer
⭐Starship Gazer on KZbin: / starshipgazer
⭐Starship Gazer on Patreon: / starshipgazer
⭐Starship Gazer on X: / starshipgazer
⭐Greg Scott on X: / gregscott_photo
⭐www.nasaspaceflight.com
⭐Nick Henning on X: / nickhenning3d
⭐ErcX on Twitter: / ercxspace
⭐Alex Svan on X: / alexsvanart
⭐Caspar Stanley on X: / caspar_stanley
⭐Neopork on X: / neopork85
⭐Corey on X: / c_bass3d
⭐Brendan Lewis on X: / _brendan_lewis
📄Links for this Episode:
www.spacex.com
www.spacex.com/starship

[@Whataboutit]

Visit linqto.com/wai, use WAI500 at checkout & save $500 on your first Astranis investment with Linqto! What do you think? Will the third flight reach orbit, or are we going to witness the trajectory from the second launch… minus the explosion?

[@stefanieschlang8975]

Touching Orbit and back down to earth!❤

[@MrComfyAustralia]

Felix. do you think it would be a good idea to install heat proof tiles on the Launch mount to save heat damage? Just an idea?

[@KenOtwell]

Elon meant "orbit" as in a near-complete trip around the earth even if just ballistically, whereas the engineer meant circular orbit that requires a powered de-orbit.

[@bryanillenberg]

@@MrComfyAustralia that won't work, as the tiles would turn to dust under the force of a single Draco thruster, much less 33 Raptors

[@WilliamsPhotosVideos]

Booster 10 is already at the Pad

[@Buddha_the_Pug]

A significant portion of my childhood / young adulthood flashed before my eyes when I heard "we have big plans". Good times.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

I'm an old guy now, so I'll wait till the launches of this Monster are more or less regularly scheduled. It's quite an adventure for me to make that trip, so I doubt that I could do it twice.

[@Twenty-Seven]

Man...what a dynamic era for spaceflight and endeavors. I'm blessed to have been born when I did. I've seen so many firsts, and many more to come.

[@fabrb26]

Dreamchaser just look amazing imo. I hope they will have success with it

[@lanav9679]

Come on Dude ?

[@aerorocketdog6249]

14:15 That's the first time I've seen a low pressure system rotate counter-clockwise in the Southern hemisphere! 🤪

[@hupekyser]

the title says they're ready and then you go on to say, they have swapped engines out of s28 and will need more testing and its not certain whats going on. little bit confusing

[@alexlabs4858]

Talk about mixed signals. That video title is sending mixed signals….

[@xxtoptankxx6873]

"We have Big plans" killed me. I wasnt expecting Command and Conquer. Kudos to the editor!

[@wilcofaber9863]

Ha ha ha generals

[@SemKokkelkorn]

This channel is still so underrated...

[@nanzansama4180]

Every starship update video ever existed till date. " Starship finally ready"

[@GrapeFlavoredAntifreeze]

The China Dozer line hit me like a freight train lmao that was awesome

[@BLACKxOPxPRExTARGET]

Melt, MELT, Everything must MELT

[@KomradZX1989]

Omg I just had flashbacks to playing Command and Conquer Generals when I heard “we have big plans” 😂

[@Jumpingjackflash123]

Remember “Yuris Revenge?” That was my shit as a kid lol

[@KomradZX1989]

@@Jumpingjackflash123 YES!! I still own that game and play it now and then. What happened to RTS’s? They just died. So sad.

[@gmancolo]

Thought that sounded familiar...

[@slartybobfoster2273]

@@KomradZX1989 EA ruined it

[@KomradZX1989]

@@slartybobfoster2273 pretty much yeah. I mean there were other companies making RTSs. You think the genre just got over saturated like ww2 shooters did in the 2000s? I wish they’d make a comeback 🥺

[@adrianmoisa2281]

Great improvement! Less filler, more content! Love it! 🎉

[@cmilkau]

It's not mixed signals. It makes complete sense to test in-space maneuvering without actually putting the spacecraft into a stable orbit. Instead you put it on a reentry trajectory and relight the engines, but you keep the perigee low enough to ensure controlled reentry. When you are certain everything works reliably, then you would risk putting the spacecraft in stable orbit, because you are confident you can bring it back down in a controlled manner.

[@Greebo7uk]

Yea having the sub orbital low perigee, means that if a deorbit burn to bring it down in the Indian ocean fails, the system is Failing to Safe.

[@julianfp1952]

Agree. SpaceX needs to take a safety-first approach during these first flights because every FAA mishap investigation delays the next test flight and an uncontrolled reentry would trigger one heck of a mishap report. Also, at this stage of testing SpaceX really doesn't sacrifice much by not going into a stable orbit, the ship is still up there long enough to do the first fuel transfer test, they get another attempt to get the booster back to its fixed landing point albeit into the sea at this point, and they get loads more data on Raptor performance, stage zero resilience, ship reentry characteristics (we hope), fuel sloshing behaviour and much more besides.

[@MichaelJCaboose013]

The Command and Conquer: Generals reference triggered me, sent me back 20 years to a simpler time in life. Good stuff, huge props to the editor for having great taste

true! let's build! We will live in prosperity!

[@SpacePotato3077]

a nostalgia slap

[@DiakronYT]

Unable to comply; building in progress.

[@busybillyb33]

Preserving Freedom

[@drfirechief8958]

Felix, the energy you have with every episode is amazing. It adds so much to the segment. Everything is exciting! No one else makes every word so entertaining. Keep it up.

[@alexandervanhaaster7218]

This guy is still going to be talking about people being unsubscribed by YT when my grand kids walk the earth, like damn bro. Just get on with it.

[@tonyfield5407]

Love the slightly more casual format! (Awesome background notwithstanding;-)

[@pauljcampbell2997]

Thanks Felix! Great update!

[@razzmattazz]

“We have big plans!” Hahaha! Command & Conquer Generals anyone? Loved that game.

[@CanKarakuzulu]

China has been generous! 😂

[@bluewaterboof82]

AK-47s for EVERYONE!

[@laudbentil8184]

the Overlord tank is here

[@joehodge290]

Im more of a red alert fan

[@BLACKxOPxPRExTARGET]

Melt, MELT, Everything must MELT

[@danswan1047]

My hope is that test flight 3 will be a success with the planned maneuvers. Achieving orbit is less important than most people understand. SpaceX is moving faster than any other rocket company in history, so I just hope they can avoid any setbacks.

[@SebastianWellsTL]

Well said!

[@snakevenom4954]

The biggest hit against Starship is that it hasn't reached orbit. So reaching orbit would absolutely be a fantastic step forward. I also hope the soft landing goes well so we can see super heavy and starship land this year

[@randomalt9617]

I’m going to Embry Riddle later this year for astronomy, and I saw this in a student article!!! All I can say is Go Nova C, Go Eagle Cam!

[@constantijnbergman3798]

I love the bloopers at the end

[@greentrident6875]

Am I the only one that noticed that when the voice over said "We have big plans" That was from Command and conquer Generals the greatest strategy game ever made. I love you what about it!

[@markysspotlight2472]

Thank you Felix! 🤘

[@brianminton6461]

You were there? How cool!

[@nerufer]

I think I trust the spacex employe too. Also, upvote for the C&C generals quote ;-)

[@MrLaVeritude]

I really like the way you point out the different things you are referring by highlighting them or zoom in. Thanks!

[@KionLionGuardOfficial]

Nice seeing you at Starbase! Can't wait to see IFT-3! Awesome videos as always!

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you! Starbse is a very special place! Did you visit yet?

[@KionLionGuardOfficial]

@@Whataboutit No haven't, because I don't live there or close enough. But I plan to go there in my life time and capture some videos and pics!

[@dubs407]

Keeps, please sponsor this guy - he needs your help!

[@iwayini]

Great video! Fantastic that you are on site! Many thanks.

[@shipsey2]

That command and conquer reference yesss

[@Duckariffic]

I was just there yesterday during the booster rollout! I saw you guys setting up the new cameras out by the beach entrance! Got to talk to chief, but wish I could’ve said hi and thanks to you for all your hard work too!

[@jony3775]

The production quality of WAI vids just keeps getting better and better. World Class, mates!! 🎉

[@stephenwhite1372]

Great episode Felix! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@RV4aviator]

Felix, thanks again for a comprehensive summary. Love your enthusiasm for Space related activities.!

[@JurassicJenkins]

8:00 I’m impressed by the engineers, craftsmen, contractors, and the rest of the teams on how fast they conduct business. Their communication, understanding , involvement and integration must be top notch. 😊

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@menachemsalomon]

I think they might aim for an only-technically-orbital flight, but they need to prepare for what if they do make it to proper orbit by accident, which means they have to test the in-orbit maneuverability. And besides, they need the in-orbit maneuverability to be be working, whether on this flight or the next, so they may as well put in the time to make sure it works properly.

[@sudoadmin66]

The C&C generals reference

[@shipsey2]

I got that straight away

[@richiexp2]

Great video 😊😊.

[@taxximaxxi]

having dreamchaser to ferry astronauts back on earth on a runway would be awesome

[@ManouuUO]

thank you for the shared passion and your dedication. Such a chance to be on the other side of the planet and share common interests and have you dwell these topics so professionally. can't wait for what's coming next

[@danielfetys1813]

Merci Félix

[@starxust3827]

U super Passionate of the job U doing. God Bless U

[@paulmoffat9306]

Great report here, B10 on the OLM now. Latest today, is road closure Feb 12, 8am to 8pm, suggests a static fire could happen for B10, and/or Ship if moved to the pad B on the weekend. Not enough time in a day to get it all down!

[@tmikkelsen8066]

The launch the other night was soooooooo loud for some reason. Shook the house, woke me up from a dead sleep. Then when i was almost back asleep the landing sonic boom woke me up again. 😂 i love living in the ville.

[@mskiptr]

3:00 it's a transatmospheric orbit!

[@tommorningstar6373]

Awesome Felix Fix. Excellent perspective and simple explanations. Up the Irons, Felix!

[@TheBlade996]

Awesome to see you at Starbase Felix, you rock! 😃

[@christophermaguire9206]

Love the coverage I appreciate your weekly updates the channels looking great😊

[@slartybobfoster2273]

A command and conquer reference. Love it

[@RayoAtra]

The hole must grow larger!

[@coop9549]

Layin the foundation

[@MichaelJCaboose013]

Good as new

[@Buddha_the_Pug]

Don't push me

[@straighttalk2069]

I will worker harder.

[@ImranSahir1]

Does anyone know the risks or amount of damage to the top of the SH during the hot staging?

[@claudelebel49]

Good work 👍 You have built quite an Enterprise.

[@erikaberg2017]

Awesome engagement Felix 👍 …btw, really great sound/voice even outside now 🙏

[@just_archan]

I think ift3 will be suborbital, with additional boost back burn for testing. Thay can just lit for short time and change inclination instead ap/pe

[@jenohathazi920]

thx Felix

[@user-so3ut2ly9w]

Cool! Love you brother!

[@janfilby7086]

Getting the first 3rd person perspective of a Lunar landing would be amazing, hopefully it is released soon with hope there is a succesful landing

[@melllvar4262]

The title says "They’re Finally Ready!" When???

[@kevinlind4640]

Came for this information, watched for 10 minutes, then unsubscribed. There have been several videos now with titles refering to the launch date being known without actually speaking about it. Wai has really good long form content, but for those of us who just want a quick recap it's really bad...

[@GsrAndy]

​@@kevinlind4640 same. These clickbait titles are the main reason why I dont sub this channel.

[@victorkrawchuk9141]

While something like SLS is a rocket, Starship is more of a rocket production line. A musket compared to a machine gun. If a jam occurs with one it's a big problem, while with the other you just tweak and clear the jam. I'm sure IFT-3 will reach orbit, whatever that is.

[@marcsanders4942]

Felix and all NSF reporters:- great job! We wouldn't have the brilliant footage, images and progress updates without you. You rock! My penny worth for Ship 26?...... Test article for NASA. The stringers are to reinforce the ship so that NASA can play with it without the need to pressurise the vehicle??? SpaceX themselves need to experiment with cargo/payload config - a non-pressurised ship is only option? Will they do this at Starbase or could it now be strong enough to travel? As awesome as Starship is, I still wish we finished fixing our problems here on our pale blue dot first. Thats two pennies

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you! Building a Starship might help to fix problems down here. Think Solar Satellites for power generation or moving heavy industry and resources mining off planet. 🙏❤️

[@marcsanders4942]

@@Whataboutit - I get it, I do, I'm just not sure we need it yet. But getting back to Ship 26, what do you think about my idea?

[@Akemo999]

That intro made me so excited

[@MilushevGeorgi]

Very funny editing with John, also video color corrected to perfection, also exposure, I remember when you were glowing in the studio, also I’m not auto disubscribed it’s enough reminders, love you, I mean, you rock

[@pipersall6761]

It seems odd that they are transporting the tower sections now when they havent even broken ground for the foundation and all that involves.

[@ThunderMuffinMan]

I like the inflection and cadence you had this video.

[@leolaurant2163]

Time is an illusion...launchtime doubly so 😁

[@HowDareUbuddy]

Felix, can you tell me why the Starship's exhaust isn't blue?

[@cmilkau]

Did someone catch the serial number of the newly installed engine? I could imagine they want at least one very recent (modern) engine on the vehicle in order to test it in flight conditions.

[@user-vh7cr8tp5f]

The column looks like it’s been hot dipped galvanized

[@SundanceHelicopterTours]

bloody interesting channel!!!!!!! Your videos are packed with relevant news. Really enjoy watching them, thank you!

[@Akemo999]

"the sheer scale of starship" (points) ("Those are tanks")

[@davidbarnes5953]

Will the second tower be taller, for future ship lengths?

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

I suspect that launch tower 2 will be used to Catch, not launch. I see no construction of an orbital launch mount there. The OLM was installed before construction of the original Mechazilla started.

[@rbrtck]

@@otpyrcralphpierre1742 Isn't the point of catching at the actual launch pad to facilitate quick turnarounds, though? Or maybe, just for the time being, this second tower will only catch for testing, and if/when that all works, a new OLM will be built within reach of it.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

@@rbrtck Yep. Launch with Mechazilla 1, catch with Mechazilla 2. In the case of a catch failure, the OLM will not be damaged.

[@alvianchoiriapriliansyah9882]

​​​​@@otpyrcralphpierre1742Wrong. Mechazilla 2 will be a launch pad as well. OLM is already underway at Hangar M Cape Canaveral Launch redundancy is more important

[@furnacebay5305]

Great episode! I’m thankful for the handful of excellent space reporting entities and individuals who are committed to bringing this story forward, while the big media outlets barely cover this topic and when they do their ignorance is on full display. Thanks to WAI and others, there are 12 year olds around the globe that know more about space science than CNN.

[@royh6526]

I'm really surprised at this step backwards to launching more satellites to GEO is being promoted as some sort of progress. The main driver to the bigger high cost satellites is the fact the GEO orbit is very crowded and there is a limit to how close they can be placed without interfering with each other.

[@GaryBickford]

Discuss: the Orbital Launch Mount as well as Tower, the propellant, and other tanks and plumbing are designed to be a complete "machine" that is relatively independent of the locale. This can eventually be duplicated in a manufacturing facility, shipped to a new desired launch facility location, installed, and quickly be launching Starships. I predict Australia will be lobbying to get an orbital launch facility in northeast Australia.

[@chiaricharlie6608]

Thanks Felix, you 👉rock!

[@Whataboutit]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate your support.

[@Stoney3K]

I suspect the "In space engine restart" sim may have been for a circularization burn test, which could raise the perigee. If they wanted to do a de-orbit burn, they would also need RCS for the ship to flip around in the retrograde direction, unless they want to wait for the perigee to do it, which may impact the landing location.

[@Greebo7uk]

They have plenty of RCS on there, we saw them helping flip and rotate etc on the hops may not be final ones but they are there.

[@Greebo7uk]

Also it’s not coming in retrograde, it’s coming in belly first so just a little nose lift. They apparently have no plans to attempt any form of landing flip, straight into the sea apparently, I would have thought they should at least try the flip, if for no other reason that they can, or might.

[@Huot1956]

Merci!

[@Tyani-sz6cg]

Hows the temperature down thwre right now?

[@michaeldemarco9950]

So, could the DreamChaser leave its Shooting Star module berthed to the ISS CBM, to be used as a future, 3rd docking port?

[@stevenattaway]

We need a lotr themed t-shirt: SpaceX: The Two Towers

[@johnbuchman4854]

How about reworking the warning outside Dr. Totenkopf's office with the head of Elon Musk warning about needing to spread humanity beyond Earth 🌍?

[@simonseis744]

Felix on location? Very nice.

[@waynep343]

Does spacex use giga press to create castings for speedy production of satellite frames

[@Wingman77tws]

3:25, major mistake, the first flight perigee did not make it over 50km, in fact it never even achieved an apogee that high.

[@cheersgxp2466]

Get another sponsor, and I’ll watch again

[@mathbrown9099]

Alex, I so enjoy your vids. Takk!

[@Lappillainen]

SpaceX should light that candle soon before view counts of go down.

[@nupaiaktalake]

Talofa, "Thank you for consistently keeping us informed about SpaceX's progress with the Starship development. While I appreciate the enthusiasm, I have some concerns about the frequent use of phrases like 'It's finally here' or 'Starship is taking off', especially when the actual launches are delayed. I understand that it might be intended to generate excitement or engagement, but it could be perceived as misleading or overly optimistic. Perhaps consider phrasing updates in a more neutral manner, such as 'Today's update on Starship progress'. Overall, I value your content updates and hope this feedback is received constructively. Keep up the good work, and sending humble blessings from New Zealand 🙏🏼😇"

[@DiakronYT]

Okay, okay! I will work...

[@straighttalk2069]

I play C&C Generals Zero hour everyday, it's the only game I play so loved the reference.

[@gccchc2449]

Felix. Do you have a place for predictions of SS milestones?

[@LordDustinDeWynd]

They should plate the pads's legs with starship re-entry tiles.

[@alvianchoiriapriliansyah9882]

Which will work... horribly

[@nickcollins1528]

They'd most likely get blown off

[@LordDustinDeWynd]

Yeah, so much better spending days repainting the stupid thing after every launch.

[@nickcollins1528]

@@LordDustinDeWynd could put more deluge on it to protect it

[@Tinman_56]

Kudos Felix for your summary of space activities and kudos to the NSF writers, editors, and production teams. You folks, Marcus House, and NSF teams are undoubtedly 3 of the best I've seen with the content, conciseness, presentation flow of the information updates you all provide. One of the best is the time keeping that +/- ~20 minutes is just right for all the information you provide in the videos and perfect for the weekly updates.

[@jameslmorehead]

Once the Starlink constellation is complete, you won't need a moving antenna to get a connection. You will have a flat antenna about 12"x18" that will look straight up. Inside, it will have multiple RF arrays so that it can direct the radio beam at the closest satellite without needing to move. This is the same technology 5G towers use to obtain the high speed connections. It's a very interesting piece of physics.

[@richardzeitz54]

If the apogee is high enough and the vehicle is moving at orbital velocity, then it's as good as in orbit. All it would need is enough propellant to correct the perigee to remain in orbit. So if Starship meets those standards, then call it an orbital flight even if it reenters upon approaching perigee.

[@alvianchoiriapriliansyah9882]

It's Transatmospheric Orbit

[@Trinitycore0720]

IFT-3 “Third time’s the charm”

[@realulli]

I suspect IFT-3 will have a rather high apogee and possibly a perigee that will deorbit it after a few orbits, hopefully in a location that is known beforehand. Especially the high apogee is IMHO interesting - it might give them several hours to test things.

[@donscheid97]

As you explained about the hazards, there are certain aspects of the system that must be proven, simulations and assumptions are not acceptable. It is actually funny listening to guesses about what is going on based on what we can see, it is like watching through a window and getting glimpses of a painters canvas and guessing what the image is going to look like. Do you think Starship will be a Monalisa or a Picaso?

[@Scanner9631]

Starship is a New Dawn for the Space Age.

[@NullElemental]

WAi the word you are looking for exo atmoshperic until starship attains the speed it requires and the arc it describes it cannot be described as orbiting or orbit capable