SpaceX has recently revealed the first grid fin for its upcoming Super Heavy booster, showcasing a revamped design that is 50% larger and stronger than its predecessor. This redesign includes a reduction in the number of fins from four to three, while still maintaining control authority and enabling the booster to descend at steeper angles of attack.
One significant change with the new design is SpaceX’s plan to “catch” returning Super Heavy boosters using the grid fins themselves, rather than the small lifting points previously used. This marks the first time the company has publicly acknowledged this change, which was hinted at visually during Elon Musk’s May presentation.
By integrating the catch function directly into the grid fins, SpaceX aims to reduce the need for separate lift hardware and simplify the recovery process. The new grid fins will serve the dual purpose of vehicle lift and the catch procedure with the company’s massive launch tower arms.
The addition of a new catch point and a lower mounting position on the booster will allow the fins to align perfectly with the tower arms, optimizing catching and protecting the fins from the intense heat generated by Starship’s engines during hot-staging. Furthermore, the fin shaft, actuator, and fixed structure are now housed inside the booster’s main fuel tank for enhanced protection and integration.
SpaceX has shared images of the new design, showcasing the intricate honeycomb-like surface pattern that helps control the booster’s descent through the atmosphere. These fins are among the largest aerodynamic control surfaces ever built for a rocket.
This update comes as SpaceX prepares for the 10th orbital flight test of its Starship spacecraft later this month, following the loss of the previous prototype during a static fire test in June. With the introduction of bigger, stronger, and more versatile grid fins, SpaceX appears to be setting the stage for smoother and potentially more spectacular Super Heavy booster recoveries in the future. In a groundbreaking pilot project conducted in the Zhytomyr region, Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, successfully exchanged messages directly via Starlink satellites using standard 4G-enabled smartphones. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the realm of telecommunications and digital connectivity.
The use of Starlink satellites, a project spearheaded by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, offers high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas around the world. By utilizing this innovative technology, Kyivstar and the Ukrainian government were able to establish a direct communication link between two prominent figures in the country’s digital landscape.
The ability to exchange messages via Starlink satellites using standard smartphones demonstrates the potential for expanding access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity in Ukraine. This development is particularly significant in rural areas where traditional infrastructure may be lacking or inadequate.
The successful pilot project highlights the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all citizens have access to the benefits of a connected world. By harnessing the power of Starlink satellites, Ukraine is taking a proactive approach to advancing its digital infrastructure and promoting inclusivity in the digital age.
Moving forward, initiatives like this pilot project will play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications and digital connectivity in Ukraine and beyond. By embracing technological innovation and collaboration, countries can create a more interconnected and accessible digital landscape for all.