Just so we’re clear about this, SpaceX built a Mars rocket out of rolls of steel.
In tents.
In South Texas.
In weeks.
And on Tuesday evening, a little more than an hour before the Sun sank into the rolling Texas horizon, this Starship prototype rumbled to life and left the ground for the first time. It rose from a stand, with its single Raptor rocket engine burning clean. Video shows the 30-meter-tall vehicle ascending to about 150 meters, moving laterally, and then beginning to descend.
As Raptor threw out prodigious amounts of fire and kicked up a heap of dust, it was not immediately clear whether the prototype rocket survived its ordeal. But as the dust settled and the smoke cleared, the shiny, beer-can shaped rocket could be seen still standing, leaning a little, sunshine glinting off its steel sides.
Just the guts
This was not the entirety of Starship, the large spacecraft that will be launched into orbit atop a Super Heavy rocket, which does not yet exist. This prototype lacked key structural elements, including a large nose cone, flaps, an interstage, and more. But critically, this vehicle contained Starship’s propulsion system.
The most challenging parts of any rocket are the engine and the plumbing to reliably and rapidly feed it oxidizer and fuel. Then there are the large tanks needed to hold these liquid propellants at high pressures and ultra-cold temperatures. The trick is to build these structures as light as possible, while also capable of containing the propellants. Among the key aspects of Tuesday’s test was demonstrating that Starship’s stainless-steel structure could withstand the harsh environment of a launch and landing.
Moreover, Tuesday’s test also proved that SpaceX has a handle on the thrust vector control system for its Raptor engine, as it was installed slightly off center, and had to compensate throughout the short flight. Given the results, SpaceX clearly has made progress on flight software for this vehicle.
Nearly a full year has passed SpaceX launched its stubby Starhopper on a similar flight. Since then, SpaceX has focused on building a factory at its South Texas Launch Site near the Gulf of Mexico, just north of the US border with Mexico. The company has also destroyed several earlier Starship prototypes as it pushed the limits on building lightweight vehicles. Now, it is flying again.
Mars is far
After Tuesday’s test, the program’s next steps have become unclear. Tuesday’s vehicle was Serial Number 5, or SN5. It probably will now be retired. Inside the tents and high bays in South Texas, the company has components for SN6, a separate pathfinder tank that uses a new steel alloy, and SN8. This latter vehicle is likely to have a nosecone fairing, to have flight control surfaces, and to increase the number of Raptor engines to three. This vehicle might possibly make a test flight up to 20km later this year.
Before attempting a flight into orbit, SpaceX also needs to build the first-stage rocket, Super Heavy. There are signs this is coming along. In recent weeks, SpaceX has begun building a high bay in which to stack the towering Super Heavy rocket, as well as starting construction of a launch pad.
Once SpaceX demonstrates Starship in orbital flight, it still has many technical hurdles to clear before this becomes a launch system capable of reaching Mars. Most notable among these is demonstrating refueling in low Earth orbit, and SpaceX has already reached an agreement with NASA to help develop this technology.
So there’s a lot of work to be done. And after Tuesday night, Mars remains a really long way away. So very far. But the first step is low-cost, frequent access to space for tons of stuff. Starship’s first flight is the initial step toward that first step. And it’s a big one.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
