SpaceX has made two attempts to launch the Starship spacecraft into orbit. As part of the third test, the aerospace company and NASA plan to test the refueling technology in orbit. NASA wants to test the feasibility of the concept of orbital refueling of spacecraft. At the same time, the agency has not yet made a final decision on whether to conduct the test during Starship’s next launch.

Three years ago, a quarter of a billion dollars were allocated from the American budget to test the technology of operating on cryogenic fuel in Earth orbit. SpaceX could receive $53 million if it is possible to transfer fuel from one Starship tank to another.

This technology will be used in the docking test of two ships in Earth orbit. If successful, SpaceX will send an unmanned ship to the Moon. If this mission gives the desired results, Starship will be accepted to the Artemis III mission, where American astronauts will land on the moon for the first time since 1972.

Artemis III is planned to be released in 2025, but it is likely to be postponed due to delays. One of the problems is the development of Starship. In two attempts, the ship could not make a full orbital flight.

In the spring of 2023, Starship and Super Heavy exploded and entered an uncontrolled rotation at an altitude of approximately 40 km. The second test was more successful. SpaceX evaluated the performance of Raptor engines and separated Super Heavy from Starship. However, the rocket booster exploded during landing and communication with the ship was lost.

Elon Musk said that the third test will take place 3-4 weeks after the second, but this is not believed. Whatever the date, SpaceX needs to pump 10 tons of fuel into Starship, which is 120 times the ship’s required volume. Another important milestone will be the transfer of fuel between the two ships in orbit.