SpaceX conduct static fire engine test on Starship SN9
SpaceX fans are dying to know when Starship SN9 will launch on its first suborbital flight. After a long week fraught with unexpected delays, engine replacements and multiple static fire tests, the earliest SN9 could launch this week is Tuesday, January 19. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued flight restrictions for Tuesday through to Thursday, pending “space operations” near SpaceX’s Boca Chica facility in South Texas.
Fans of Elon Musk’s aerospace company were hoping for a weekend launch after three static fire tests of Starship’s Raptor engines were completed on Wednesday, January 13.
Hopes were quickly dashed, however, as Mr Musk confirmed in a Tweet the following Friday two of the spaceship’s engines were in need of repair.
Despite the obvious setback, Starship’s engines have been replaced and the rocket looks ready for one last static fire tests with its new Raptors.
Road closures around Boca Chica suggest the wet rehearsal will go ahead on Monday, with back up windows on Tuesday and Friday.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ky5l9ZxsG9M
How to watch Starship’s launch and static fire tests:
SpaceX has not confirmed a launch date yet but multiple round-the-clock streams are paying close attention to the Boca Chica launchpad.
One of these streams is hosted by the LabPadre channel on YouTube.
The live stream, which is embedded above, features a 24/7 view of Starship from about 5.87 miles away at Sapphire Condominiums, South Pader Island, Texas.
The LabPadre channel offers multiple live views of Boca Chica from various angles, including an up-close view of the launch pad and zoomed out view of the facilities.
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When will Starship SN9 launch?
Before the Starship prototype takes to the skies, SpaceX is expected to perform at least one more static fire test with the replaced Raptor engines.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Travino Jr has issued a road closure around the Boca Chica facility for Monday, suggesting the test could be imminent.
The road closure is in effect between 2pm and 11.00pm GMT (8am and 5.00pm CST).
Should technical problems scupper the test, a back-up window is available on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Judge Travino 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.”
The official notice also states: “SpaceX and law enforcement authorities will be coordinating to ensure that no individuals or vehicles are allowed access to these areas during these times of the day.”
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued flight restrictions over the next three days.
The so-called notes to airmen (NOTAMs) have been issued to “provide a safe environment for rocket launch and recovery”.
However, SpaceX fans should also be ready for the possibility the launch could suffer further delays.
Starship is being developed as SpaceX’s signature launch vehicle of the future.
After the success of the Falcon 9, Starship will be the next reusable spacecraft capable of servicing mission to Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars.
Starship will launch on top of the Falcon Heavy, a powerful and fully reusable rocket booster.
SpaceX said: “Starship will be the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tonnes to Earth orbit.”
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