SpaceX’s Starship SN9 passes tests of its Raptor engines – it signals the rocket could detonate TOMORROW, just a month after its predecessor crash-landed and exploded on the launch pad
- SpaceX’s latest Starship prototype has successfully completed a static test
- The missile ignited its three Raptor engines while attached to the launch pad
- SpaceX airspace restriction program has submitted requests for Friday through Sunday
- This suggests the new prototype could launch as early as Friday
Spacex’s latest Starship prototype, serial number 9 (SN9), ignited its massive Raptor engines for the first time, signaling that the massive rocket is gearing up for its first high-altitude test flight.
The static fire test, which took place Wednesday evening, allows operators to light the engines while the Starship remains stuck to the ground.
SN9 can be seen sitting on the launch pad of SpaceX’s Boca Chica test facility in Texas and then with furious fire and smoke emerging from the base.
Airspace restrictions for the area suggest the first big ‘hop’ could take place as early as Friday – with backup slots for Saturday and Sunday.
SN9 will make the same journey as its serial number 8 predecessor (SN8), which shot 12.8 miles into the air before igniting in a ball of flame as soon as it returned to the ground.
Despite SN8 being destroyed, CEO Elon Musk considers it a success as it reached its intended height and amassed a wealth of data along the way – paving the way for SN9 to take its own leap.
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Spacex’s latest Starship prototype, serial number 9 (SN9), ignited its massive Raptor engines for the first time, signaling that the massive rocket is gearing up for its first high-altitude test flight
The new prototype is the second with wing tips and a nose cone, and appears to have the same body design as its predecessors.
And SpaceX enthusiast might see it in the air soon.
The static burn test saw the SN9 turn on all three Raptor engines for only 1.5 to 2 seconds, which appears to be a shorter time than what has been done with previous spaceships.
Some viewers who tuned in to some live streams showing the pre-flight check noted that the abbreviated test may have been a post-ignition abort or that it had been intentionally aborted to avoid damage to the launch pad, which has occurred in the past .
Airspace restrictions for the area suggest the first big ‘hop’ could take place as early as Friday – with backup slots for Saturday and Sunday. However, some Twitter users think it will happen on Saturday
Another spaceship is nearing completion, serial number 10 (SN10), which means that we could see two spacecraft flying at the same time.
A Twitter user asked, “With SN10 almost ready and repairs being made to the landing pad, do you think this is something we’ll be seeing in the coming weeks?”
The new prototype is the second with wing tips and nose cone, and appears to have the same body design as its predecessors. And SpaceX enthusiasts might see it airborne soon
To which Musk simply replied ‘Yes’.
However, it is dependent on SN9’s fate that two starships take off at the same time, which, like its predecessor SN8, can end in a ball of flames and debris.
On December 9, SN8 exploded just as it hit the ground after its maiden high-altitude flight reaching 12.6 miles.
On December 9, SN8 exploded just as it hit the ground after its maiden high-altitude flight reaching 12.6 miles
When SN8 finally landed, it ignited in flames – and once the fire and smoke cleared, all that was left was a heap of debris with what was left of the craft’s nose cone on top
The takeoff of the spacecraft prototype took about six minutes before the engines shut down and the SN8 began its journey back to the launch pad.
The world sat on the edge of its seats as the rocket approached the ground, wondering if Musk’s prediction of a bumpy landing would prove correct.
When SN8 finally landed, it ignited in flames – and once the fire and smoke cleared, all that was left was a lot of debris and on top of it what was left of the craft’s nose cone.
However, Musk considered the launch a success – he said the prototype, although destroyed, amassed a wealth of data that will take SpaceX one step closer to sending humans to Mars aboard the rocket.