The SpaceX prototype rocket Starhopper & # 39; cancels its second test flight at the last minute

Starhopper had no legs on Monday. After two hours of waiting, the second test of the rocket prototype was stopped at the last second, shortly after 18 hours. Texas time. "Starhopper "is the single-engine version of the SpaceX Starship, the next generation of spacecraft that Musk plans to send people around the moon and on Mars over the next decade.

This second test was delayed compared to the beginning of August and pushed back by two hours Monday. Musk did not give reason for the delay.

After the canceled test flight, SpaceX said in its live video feed: "Stay away for today. Next tentative at the earliest, tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 27."

It means 14 hours PT is probably the sooner we'll see the next Starhopper jump.

Before Monday's test, residents close to the company's Boca Chica, Texas facility were warned that a potential malfunction could trigger pressure waves strong enough to break the windows of the region. Locals were asked to leave all buildings and bring their pets to the outside during the test window to avoid any risk of glass splashing.

"I guess we'll be outside to watch the jump," tweeted a resident.

The small test version, which looks like a water tower in flight (as noted by Musk himself) performed a brief hovering at a height of 20 meters (66 feet) after dark on July 25.

Musk said this flight would be the last test flight of this prototype and that it would be converted into a test bench for Starship's Raptor engines.

Can you confirm that it will be the last flight of StarHopper? On the prototypes of Starship then, no?

– Everyday astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) August 24, 2019

With this latest Starhopper test in the books, Musk said his next decision would be to hold a presentation to update the world on Starship's design and on any changes in his plans for the larger SpaceX rocket to this day. Musk announced that the last ship will have a total of six or seven engines and will be paired with a new SpaceX Super Heavy rocket, creating a launch system to rival the Saturn V rocket that brought NASA astronauts to the moon. .

In previous years, Musk shared his plans to use the super heavy launcher (also previously known as BFR or Big Falcon Rocket) to help set up a shop on Mars, send artists around the world. the Moon and even organize transcontinental flights in Earth orbit.

Originally released August 26 at 16:42. PT.
Update, 5:01 pm: Add details about the next launch attempt.