Closeup view of Ship 35's payload section. Note the different types of heat shielding on the sides. This is to test how well they can survive re-entry, and still be able to support an upper stage post-orbital landing at the launch site. This will be for later Ships, pending IFT-9 test results.
(photo from Jack Beyer)
Elon's SpaceX Starship:
Ship 35 heat shield tiles closeup, as Ship 35 returns to Massey's for further pre-flight testing. Note that tiles are removed in certain areas, while others are replaced by experimental regeneratively cooled metallic tiles.
Now that IFT-9 launch is FAA approved, launch is NET May 27, 2025.
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