Elon Musk Just Exposed & Shocked Boeing Starliner With Dragon's Reusability...

Elon Musk Just Exposed & Shocked Boeing Starliner With Dragon's Reusability... === Elon Musk Just Exposed & Shocked Boeing Starliner With Dragon's Reusability... What sets SpaceX apart from the rest of the space industry? The power of reusability. Every product they create, whether in part or whole, is designed to be reused. And SpaceX wields a sharp weapon that no other American company currently has: a space taxi that's fully operational, Dragon. SpaceX has been sending humans to the ISS on Dragon so smoothly for four years. Now, it's time to answer the question: What are the limits of Dragon's reusability? Just how powerful is it, and how does it outclass its competition? Let’s find out in today’s episode! Elon Musk Just Exposed & Shocked Boeing Starliner With Dragon's Reusability... Remember Dragon Endeavour? The spacecraft is currently docked alongside Starliner on the International Space Station (ISS) for the Crew-8 mission—its fifth flight. This makes Dragon Endeavour the most flown spacecraft in SpaceX's fleet, a testament to the reliability and reusability of Dragon. Do you know how many flights a Dragon is officially certified for? 5. So, on paper, Endeavour has reached its limit. And retirement should be its next step. But no. SpaceX believes this spacecraft has plenty of life left in it and is determined to prove it. During the February 28, 2024, press briefing on the Crew-8 mission, Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program Manager, revealed some exciting details. SpaceX is conducting an in-depth examination of every component of the Dragon to determine the maximum number of safe flights the spacecraft can achieve. Elon Musk Just Exposed & Shocked Boeing Starliner With Dragon's Reusability... Stich shared, "We are right now embarking on what we call our extended Dragon certification. We're working on that this year, and probably next year, to see how long they will fly Dragon." The point is, what’s the final target NASA and SpaceX have in mind? It’s 15. Five is impressive, but 15 would be revolutionary. So, how are they planning to extend Dragon's certification for more flights? NASA and SpaceX are undertaking a comprehensive and complex evaluation process. This includes rigorous "qualification tests" designed to assess the durability of each individual component of the spacecraft. It’s crucial to remember that no part can last forever. Like any complex machine, spacecraft components wear down over time, especially in the harsh environment of space. After every mission, SpaceX conducts a thorough inspection and upgrades specific parts. This process is ongoing throughout the spacecraft’s life cycle. Take the PICA-X heat shield, for example—it's replaced after each mission; that's quite a major overhaul. === #Q88M #q88m #spacex #starship #elonmusk === Elon Musk Just Exposed & Shocked Boeing Starliner With Dragon's Reusability...