SpaceX: Camera feed freezes upon Starship SN11 landing
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After the failed first flights of the Starship SN8, SN9, SN10 and SN11, SpaceX fans are desperate for a bit of good news. Although the rocket that could one day fly humans to Mars is still in the development stage, pundits and fans alike were hopeful SpaceX would have already launched and landed at least one of its prototypes in one piece. This was not the case with the last iteration, SN11, as the rocket was blown to smithereens when it came crashing into the launch pad at Boca Chica, South Texas, on March 30.
The Starship SN15 has now been rolled out onto the launch pad where it will go through a series of pre-flight checks and safety drills.
According to SpaceX chief Elon Musk, 49, SN15 marks a significant upgrade on its predecessors and hopes are high.
The upgrades were big enough for the company to scrap the Starship SN12, SN13 and SN14 and go straight to the SN15.
In November last year, Mr Musk teased “major upgrades” for this prototype rocket, revealing it would have “more mature” engines and more robust wiring.
Then shortly after the SN11’s crash, he said the SN20 model would mark the next big upgrade.
Mr Musk tweeted: “Next major technology rev is at SN20. Those ships will be orbit-capable with heat shield and stage separation system. Ascent success probability is high.
“However, SN20+ vehicles will probably need many flight attempts to survive Mach 25 entry heating and land intact.”
Fans are now waiting for SpaceX to announce the next launch date at Boca Chica.
Will Starship SN15 launch this weekend?
Although the SN15’s launch date is edging closer, it is unlikely the rocket will fly on the weekend for a number of reasons.
SpaceX’s launches are subject to regulatory approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities in Texas.
Since the company’s facility is found near State Highway 4, Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr schedules road closures ahead of launch and testing to protect public health and safety.
The highway is particularly busy on the weekend as is Boca Chica Beach, making weekend launches extremely unlikely.
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Instead, previous Starship tests have all occurred during weekdays when road closures are not as impactful.
The good news is, however, road closures have been scheduled for Friday from 7am to 12pm local time or 1pm to 6pm BST.
Backup closures are in effect from 12pm to 8pm local time or 6pm to 2am BST on those days.
SpaceX is expected to conduct “non-flight testing activities” on these days, meaning the rocket is not about to fly just yet.
Judge Trevino said: “Should SpaceX not complete its planned non-flight testing activities on April 9, 2021, then SpaceX may use the alternate date to complete its non-flight testing activities.”
Before the rocket is cleared for flight, SpaceX will pump it full of liquid nitrogen to simulate chilled rocket fuel and to check for leaks.
The rocket will also undergo one or multiple static fire tests, during which SN15’s three Raptor engines will be briefly fired at full throttle.
But rather than take off, the rocket will remain firmly tethered to the ground.
Once ready to fly, the rocket will blast off to an altitude of 32,000ft (10km) after which it will fall back to the ground and attempt a soft landing.
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