SpaceX’s Starship SN9 passes tests of its Raptor engines – rocket signaling could explode TOMORROW, just one month after its predecessor accidentally landed and exploded on the launch pad
- SpaceX’s latest Starship prototype has performed a successful static test
- The rocket ignited its three Raptor engines while it was fixed to the launch pad
- The SpaceX airline restriction show made requests from Friday to Sunday
- This suggests that the new prototype could be launched 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 preparing for its first high-altitude test flight.
The static fire test, which took place on Wednesday night, allows operators to start the engines while Starship remains attached to the ground.
SN9 can be seen sitting on the launch pad of the Boca Chica test facility at SpaceX in Texas and then with furious fire and smoke coming out of its base.
Airspace restrictions for the area suggest that the first major “hop” could take place as early as Friday – with spare slots set for Saturday and Sunday.
SN9 will make the same journey as its predecessor Serial Number 8 (SN8), which launched 7.8 miles into the air before igniting in a ball of flames on its second return to the ground.
Despite the destruction of SN8, CEO Elon Musk considers it a success, as it has reached the target altitude and collected a lot of data along the way – paving the way for SN9 to make its own hop.
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Spacex’s latest Starship prototype, Serial Number 9 (SN9), has ignited its massive Raptor engines for the first time, signaling that the massive rocket is preparing for its first high-altitude test flight
The new prototype is the second to boast wing tips and a nose cone and seems to have the same body design as its predecessors.
And the passionate SpaceX might soon see it in the sky.
The static fire test powered the SN9 on all three Raptor engines for just 1.5 to 2 seconds, which seems to be a shorter time than what was done with previous Starships.
Some viewers who connected to a series of live streams showing pre-flight verification noted that the shortened test could have been a post-ignition abortion or that it was intentionally cut to avoid damaging the launch pad, which had place in the past.
Airspace restrictions for the area suggest that the first major “hop” could take place as early as Friday – with spare slots set for Saturday and Sunday. However, some Twitter users believe it will happen on Saturday
Another starship is nearing completion, serial number 10 (SN10), which means we could see two starships fleeing at the same time.
A Twitter user asked: “With the SN10 almost complete and the repairs made to the landing pad, do you think this is something we will see in the coming weeks?”
The new prototype is the second to boast wing tips and a nose cone and appears to have the same body design as its predecessors. And SpaceX enthusiasts may soon see it take to the skies
To which Musk simply replied “Yes.”
However, having two astral ships take off simultaneously depends on the fate of SN9, which could end up in a ball of flames and rubble like its predecessor SN8.
On December 9, the SN8 exploded as it hit the ground after its first high-altitude flight, which reached 7.8 miles.
On December 9, SN8 exploded as it hit the ground after its first high-altitude flight that reached 7.8 miles
When SN8 finally hit, it ignited in flames – and once the fire and smoke cleared, there was only a pile of debris left over from what was left of the ship’s nose cone.
The prototype ascent of the spacecraft took about six minutes before the engines stopped and the SN8 began its journey back to the launch pad.
People sat on the edge of their seats as the rocket approached the ground – wondering if Musk’s prediction of a crash landing would prove correct.
When SN8 finally hit, it ignited in flames – and once the fire and smoke cleared, there was only a pile of debris left over from what was left of the ship’s nose cone.
However, Musk considered the launch a success – saying that the prototype, even if it was destroyed, collected a series of data that will bring SpaceX one step closer to sending humans to Mars aboard the rocket.