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UPDATE: SpaceX’s latest prototype has been successfully launched, but like its previous test flight, the rocket exploded on impact while attempting a landing. Read more here.
SpaceX is preparing to launch the latest prototype of its next-generation Starship rocket on Tuesday, in the system’s second high-altitude flight test.
The prototype starship serial number 9, or SN9, will fly up to 6 miles, or about 32,800 feet. The flight will be similar to that of SpaceX performed in December, when the prototype launched SN8 on its highest and longest flight to date. The SN8 flight completed several development goals, including testing the system’s aerodynamics and completing a flip to orient itself for landing, but the prototype exploded on impact because the missile could not decelerate enough.
SN9 is made of stainless steel, with the prototypes representing the early versions of the rocket that CEO Elon Musk unveiled last year. The company is developing Starship with the aim of launching cargo and up to 100 people at a time on missions to the Moon and Mars.
Starship prototype missile SN9 is on the company’s launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas.
SpaceX
Like SN8, the purpose of the SN9 flight is not necessarily to reach maximum altitude, but to test several key components of the Starship system. The Starship prototype is about 50 meters high, or about the size of a 15-story building, and is powered by three Raptor rocket engines. SpaceX will fire all three engines for takeoff, then shut them down one by one in succession as it nears the top of the intended flight altitude.
The SN9’s launch attempt was delayed for about a week as SpaceX worked to get Federal Aviation Administration clearance to launch. His SN8 flight violated the company’s existing Starship license, The Verge first reported and the FAA later confirmed, as the federal aerospace regulator had denied a SpaceX request to exceed the maximum public risk limit. is allowed by federal safety regulations, the FAA said in a ruling.
SpaceX had to investigate its non-compliance, forcing Musk’s company to suspend the launch until the investigation was completed and the FAA signed.
“The FAA determined Monday (Feb. 1) that SpaceX is in compliance with all safety and related federal regulations and is authorized to conduct Starship SN9 flight operations in accordance with its launch permit,” the FAA said.
Key tests for the SN9 flight include sequentially shutting down the engines, transferring propellant from the main tanks to the head, turning himself over for his belly return maneuver, and controlling the descent through the air with the four valves on the missile.
SpaceX stressed that “the dynamic schedule of development tests” may cause the launch attempt to be delayed, as has happened with previous Starship launches.
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