Watch SpaceX attempt to launch and land Starship’s prototype SN9 rocket

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UPDATE: SpaceX’s latest prototype was successfully launched but, like its previous test flight, the rocket exploded on impact during an attempted landing. Learn more here.

SpaceX is preparing to launch the latest prototype of its next-generation Starship rocket on Tuesday, in the system’s second high-altitude flight test.

The prototype spacecraft serial number 9, or SN9, will fly up to 10 kilometers, or about 32,800 feet above sea level. The flight will be similar to that performed by SpaceX in December, when the SN8 prototype launched on the longest and longest flight to date. The SN8 flight achieved several development goals, including testing the aerodynamics of the system and performing a rollover to orient itself for landing, but the prototype exploded on impact because the rocket was unable to slow enough. .

SN9 is built from stainless steel, with the prototypes representing early versions of the rocket CEO Elon Musk unveiled last year. The company is developing Starship with the aim of launching cargoes and up to 100 people on a mission to both the Moon and Mars.

Like SN8, the goal of SN9 flight is not necessarily to reach maximum altitude, but rather to test several key elements of the Starship system. The Starship prototype stands about 150 feet tall, about the size of a 15-story building, and is powered by three Raptor rocket engines. SpaceX will trigger all three engines for takeoff, then shut them down one by one in order as it nears the top of the flight’s intended altitude.

SN9’s launch attempt was delayed for about a week as SpaceX worked to obtain launch clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Its SN8 flight violated the company’s existing Starship license, The Verge first reported and the FAA later confirmed as the federal aerospace regulator denied a SpaceX waiver request to exceed maximum public risk cleared by federal safety regulations, the FAA said in a statement.

SpaceX was forced to investigate its non-compliance, forcing the Musk company to suspend launches until the investigation was completed and the FAA signed off.

“The FAA determined on Monday evening (February 1) that SpaceX complies with all federal safety regulations and is authorized to conduct the flight operations of the Starship SN9 in accordance with its launch license,” the launch said. FAA.

The main tests for the SN9 flight included the successive stopping of the engines, the transfer of the thruster from the main tanks to the head thanks to the rollover for its “belly flop” re-entry maneuver and the control of its descent in the air with the four flaps of the rocket. .

SpaceX has pointed out that “the dynamic schedule of development tests” may delay the launch attempt, as has happened with previous Starship launches.

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