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On the carpet
After many delays, SpaceX’s prototype SN8 spacecraft is finally on the launch pad, where engineers are prepping the massive spacecraft for its very first high-altitude test flight.
On the trail in South Texas pic.twitter.com/RcYOXXpTc2
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 7, 2020
Direct
Thankfully, SpaceX will be streaming the event live on YouTube, starting at 11 a.m. EST – although it’s still unclear when the actual launch will take place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf83yzzme2I
So far, SpaceX has launched previous prototypes just 150 meters (around 500 feet) on two occasions. The SN5 and SN6 prototype ships achieved the feat in August and September respectively.
Belly Flop
If today’s flight goes as planned, we’ll see the 165-foot SN8 rocket power up its three Raptor engines to reach an altitude of just under eight miles, according to the latest documents filed with the Federal Aviation Administration. .
After reaching its peak, the rocket will descend to Earth using its “belly” to slow its descent. Once close to the ground, it will straighten up and trigger its thrusters for a soft landing.
READ MORE: SpaceX Confirms Tuesday’s Starship Launch Will Have Official Webcast [Teslarati]
Learn more about Starship: ‘Highly Confident’ Elon Musk SpaceX To Land Humans On Mars Within 6 Years
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