SpaceX Starship explodes whilst attempting to land during test
SpaceX will attempt to launch and land today the present iteration of the Starship prototype from its Boca Chica facility in South Texas. The launch will see Starship fly to an altitude of 6.2 miles (10km), plunge to the ground belly-side down then flip up again to attempt a soft landing. Elon Musk’s company has so far only attempted this manoeuvre once before, to catastrophic result.
SpaceX fans have been desperate to see SN9 take to the skies after a month fraught with multiple delays, static fire test aborts and engine replacements.
One SpaceX fan tweeted today: “What a beast! The first orbital Starship+Super Heavy launch will be breathtaking.
“Falcon Heavy saw such a large response from people. Can’t wait for Starship to fly. SN9. Hope you do it!”
Another person said: “Today’s the day. Well it might be the day.
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“Let’s just say it’s the first day when it could be the day. Maybe.
“@SpaceX have confirmed that #Starship #SN9 could launch as early as today.
“If all goes well this will be a 10km flight and safe landing. Best of luck.”
Flight restrictions and road closures are now in effect around Boca Chica, suggesting the launch could be imminent.
SpaceX said: “Given the dynamic schedule of development testing, stay tuned to our social media channels for updates as we move toward SpaceX’s second high-altitude flight test of Starship!”
What time is the Starship SN9 launch date?
SpaceX has not confirmed a specific launch date for SN9 and but has instead said the prototype rocket will attempt a high-altitude test flight as early as Thursday, January 28.
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) show SpaceX has a 10-hour launch window that will open this afternoon.
The TFRs are in effect on Thursday between 2pm and 11.59pm GMT (8am and 5.59pm CST).
Should the launch be scrubbed, a backup window opens on Friday at the same time.
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Cameron County Judge Eddie Travion Jr has also ordered a road closure around Boca Chica between 3pm and 12am GMT (9am and 6pm CST) on Thursday and Friday.
The residents of Boca Chica Village have also been told to evacuate before 2pm GMT (8am CST).
You can follow the rocket launch live, here on Express.co.uk.
One SpaceX fan tweeted: “Another Starship is about to take flight. Witnessing this is so incredibly amazing.
“Starship SN9 will attempt high altitude flight, aerodynamic manoeuvres and belly flop landing on the earth.
“Hope it lands this time. Either way, another historic moment is tomorrow.”
Another person said: Have been waiting for this all week. Possible #Starship #SN9 test by @SpaceX today!
“Let’s hope it will hop, flop, drop and then stop without a pop! @elonmusk”
SpaceX is developing Starship as a multi-planetary vehicle capable of servicing mission to the Moon, Mars and possibly beyond.
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