SpaceX’s Starship SN9 passes tests of its Raptor engines – signaling that the rocket could explode out of TOMORROW, just a month after its predecessor crashed and exploded on the starting block.
- SpaceX’s latest Starship prototype underwent a successful static test
- The rocket rejected all three of its Raptor engines while securing the launch package
- SpaceX restriction display SpaceX made requests for Friday through Sunday
- This suggests the new prototype could build as early as Friday
Spacex’s latest Starship prototype, Serial Number 9 (SN9), rejected its large Raptor engines for the first time, signaling that the giant rocket is preparing for its first high-test flight.
The static fire test, which took place Wednesday night, allows operators to fire the engines while the Starship remains grounded.
SN9 can be seen sitting on the start area of SpaceX ‘s Boca Chica test facility in Texas and then with a terrifying fire and smoke coming out of its base.
Aviation restrictions in the area suggest the first major ‘hop’ could take place as early as Friday – with backup slots set for Saturday and Sunday.
SN9 will take the same turn as the former Serial No. 8 (SN8), which launched 7.8 miles into the air before firing into a flame ball the second time it returned to the ground.
Despite the destruction of SN8, Chief Elon Musk believes it has succeeded as it has reached its target heights and collected data collection along the way – paving the way for SN9 to hop its own hop. take.
Scroll down for videos
Spacex’s latest Starship prototype, Serial Number 9 (SN9), rejected their large Raptor engines for the first time, signaling that the giant rocket is preparing for its first high-test flight.
The new prototype is the second one with wing tips and a nose cone, and appears to have the same body design as its predecessors.
And a SpaceX enthusiast might see it take to the skies.
The static fire test saw SN9 power on all three of its Raptor engines for just 1.5 to 2 seconds, which seems to be shorter than what Starships has done before.
Some observers tuning in to several live streams showing the pre-flight check noted that the shortened test may or may not have been a post-discount shortcut. deliberately cut to avoid damage to the starting block, which has occurred in the past.
Aviation restrictions in the area suggest the first major ‘hop’ could take place as early as Friday – with backup slots set for Saturday and Sunday. However, some Twitter users believe it will happen on Saturday
Another Starship is nearing completion, Serial No. 10 (SN10), which means we could see two Starships flying at the same time.
A Twitter user asked: ‘With SN10 almost ready and repairs being carried out at the stretch, do you think this is something we will see in the next few weeks? ‘
The new prototype is the second one with wing tips and a nose cone, and appears to have the same body design as its predecessors. And SpaceX enthusiasts may see it take to the skies
Musk simply replied ‘Yes.’
However, getting two Starships off at once depends on what happened to SN9, which could end in a ball of flames and debris like SN8 did before.
On December 9, SN8 exploded the moment it hit the ground after its first high-altitude flight that reached 7.8 miles.
On December 9, SN8 exploded the moment it hit the ground after the first high-altitude flight that reached 7.8 miles
When SN8 finally went down, it went up in flames – and, once the fire and smoke cleared, all that was left was a lump of debris with the remains of the craft’s nose cone
The ascent of the prototype spacecraft lasted for about six minutes before the engines closed and SN8 began its journey back down to the launch pack.
The world sat on the edge of its seat as the rocket approached the ground – wondering if Musk’s prediction of landing a bump was correct.
When SN8 finally went down, it went up in flames – and, once the fire and smoke cleared, all that was left was a lump of debris with the remains of the craft ‘s nose cone.
Musk, however, thought the announcement was a success – saying that the prototype, even though destroyed, collected a collection of data that will bring SpaceX one step closer to sending humans to Mars aboard the spacecraft. rocket.