SpaceX fans have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the SN11. A test flight was originally scheduled for the week beginning March 15, but SpaceX is delayed by testing all of the Starship prototypes.
Following a static fire test on Friday, March 26, Mr Musk said “additional checkouts” will be needed before the SN11 takes to the skies.
A static fire test sees all the engines lit up as the rocket is still stationary on the ground.
Mr Musk did not analyze the problems during the trial, but said the SN11 would remain in place until next week.
The SpaceX boss wrote on Twitter: “Standing down SN11 to Monday probably.
“There needs to be more pay space. Doing our best to get ashore and get over it completely.”
Cameron County, the area where the Boca Chica test site is located, has not yet issued any road closure notices for next week, however.
When the SN11 finally launches, it will follow the same pattern as its predecessors.
The SN8, SN9 and SN10 all launched 10 kilometers into the sky before traveling for several minutes and then attempting to land.
Unfortunately for SpaceX, the SN8 and SN9 ended up with a ball of flames exploding as they tried to land.
SpaceX had a bit more success with the SN10, finishing its way to land.
However, the runway was too hard and caused a methane tank. After eight minutes, the SN10 went up in a ball of flames.
SpaceX will be tested to ensure that the SN11 will not suffer the same situation when it lands.
Starship needs to work as a whole sooner rather than later if Mr. Musk is to realize his dream of getting to Mars before the end of the decade.
Just this week, the South African-born billionaire said on Twitter: “SpaceX will launch Starships on Mars long before 2030.”