SpaceX conduct static fire engine test on Starship SN9
SpaceX fans are desperate to know when the Mars-bound Starship SN9 prototype will take to the skies for the very first time. After the spectacular crash landing of the SN8 model last month, hopes are Serial Number 9 (SN9) will stick the landing this week. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued flight restrictions around the company’s Boca Chica facilities in South Texas.
The restrictions cite space operations and are in effect on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, sparking hope Starship could launch as early as tomorrow (January 14).
But before SN9 can launch, SpaceX is due to perform one last dress rehearsal – a static fire test of the spacecraft’s three Raptor engines.
One such test was completed on January 6, with the second one scrubbed on Tuesday night.
One SpaceX fan tweeted: “Second static fire test has not happened, it must first before launch.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ky5l9ZxsG9M
“First SN9 test was cut short for unknown reasons. We can only speculate as to why the second test has not taken place.
“Don’t forget this rocket fell over in its bay. Did it suffer damage?”
Another person said: “They are still on track for an SN9 launch at the end of this week.
“SN10 still needs it’s aft flaps but focus will solely be on getting SN9 off the ground and hopefully back on the ground with no fiery bits.”
If the second static fire test goes ahead today (January 13) fans expect the rocket could still launch before the end of the week.
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How to watch the SpaceX Starship launch online:
Although SpaceX has not confirmed a launch date for SN9, you can track all launchpad activities in the embedded video player above.
Courtesy of LabPadre on YouTube, the Boca Chica launchpad is being streamed live online around the clock.
The launchpad is being filmed from nearly six miles away at the Sapphire Condominiums, South Padre Island, but features a clear view of the SN9 prototype.
Unlike SpaceX’s regular Falcon 9 launches, the company has not been live streaming its Boca Chica test flights.
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Will the Starship SN9 launch today?
The Cameron County Judge Eddie Travino Jr has issued a road closure notice for Boca Chica beach and State Highway 4.
The closure is in effect from 2pm to 11pm GMT (8am to 5pm CTS) today, hinting at an imminent static fire test.
The FAA has also issued a note to airmen (NOTAM) for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The NOTAMS designate a no flight zone around Brownsville, Texas, and include Boca Chica beach.
The NOTAMs cite “space operations” and are in effect between 2pm and 11.59pm GMT (8am and 5.59pm CST).
Once SN9 launches, it will reach a height of about 7.8 miles (12.5km) after which it will plummet back to the ground.
The spacecraft will perform a bellyflop manoeuvre, meaning it will flip to its side and fall to the ground only guided by four flaps on its sides.
Then, before it reaches the ground, the rocket will flip upright again and fire its engines for a soft landing.
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