SpaceX Starship: SN9 could finally launch tomorrow after critical engine replacement

SpaceX Starship explodes whilst attempting to land during test

SpaceX has prepped the Starship SN9 prototype for launch with a much-needed engine replacement. On Wednesday, January 13, the company surprised its fans with three static fire tests of Starship’s Raptor engines at the company’s Boca Chica facility in South Texas. The static fire tests, however, seemingly took their toll on the spaceship prototype as SpaceX chief Elon Musk, 49, said two of the engines were in need of repairs.

The South African billionaire tweeted: “Two of the engines need slight repairs, so will be switched out.”

The news scuppered hopes of the SN9 launching on the weekend but SpaceX has recovered quickly from the engine mishap, replacing the two damaged units since Friday.

The earliest possible launch day now looks to be Tuesday, January 19.

But before the SN9 can take to the skies for the very first time, Mr Musk said it would be “probably wise” to perform another static fire test with the new engines.

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Providing the test is successfully carried out on Monday, the latest airspace restrictions around Boca Chica suggest the launch could go ahead sometime between Tuesday and Thursday, January 21.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued three note to airmen (NOTAMs) for the airspace around Boca Chica beach and Brownsville, Texas.

The flight restrictions all cite “space operations” and are in effect between 2pm and 11.59pm GMT (8am and 5.59pm CST).

The Cameron County Judge has also issued a primary road closure notice for Monday, with backup closures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Judge Eddie Travino Jr said: “Should SpaceX not complete its test launch activities on January 18, 2021, then SpaceX may use an alternate date to complete its test launch activities.”

Static fire tests are a form of wet rehearsal during which a rocket briefly fires its engines while tethered to the ground.

Starship SN9 is due to launch on its first suborbital flight to a possible altitude of 7.8 miles (12.5km).

SpaceX’s last attempt to launch and land the Starship’s last iteration, the SN8, ended in a spectacular ball of flames.

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SpaceX perform 150m hop with Starship SN5

Despite the flight’s fiery conclusion, data collected during the flight is sure to improve Starship’s future endeavours.

In the last two years of testing, the prototype spaceship has only launched on small “hops” with SN8 reaching the highest altitude to date – 7.8 miles (12.5km).

However, SpaceX fans need to keep in mind the SN9 test flight has already been pushed back multiple times this week and could see further delays before the month is over.

Poor weather and technical problems can all get in the way of the anticipated SN9 flight.

Starship is being developed as a multi-planetary vehicle capable of reaching the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Mr Musk wants to build a fleet of the reusable spaceships to colonise the Red Planet in the coming years.

He has previously said Starship will be able to rapidly redeploy up to three times in a single day.

The spaceship will launch on top of the Super Heavy booster rocket, to form what SpaceX has dubbed the world’s most powerful launch vehicle.

Follow Express.co.uk for the latest SpaceX and Starship updates.

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