SpaceX is preparing to launch its next Starship prototype, known as SN10, on a ten-kilometre test flight from its Boca Chica site . The flight could take place in the evening.
As you know, the Starship SN9 prototype successfully took off on February 2 over southern Texas, reaching an altitude of ten kilometers, before missing its landing. One of the ship's three Raptor engines unfortunately failed to re-ignite. Still, the explosive crash of this prototype (the second, after that of the SN8) prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to oversee an investigation into the incident.
As a reminder, it is this agency that is responsible for regulations and controls concerning civil aviation in the United States. Here, she is the one who gives the green (or not) to SpaceX for the Starship test flights after having delimited a “no-passage” zone around the take-off and landing site.
That being said, the SN9 case is now closed. At the end of this investigation, it emerged that the vehicle had indeed crashed " within the limits of the FAA's safety analysis " , notes the agency's statement, confirming that its landing and explosion did not endanger anyone. The FAA therefore approves SpaceX's final accident report, including probable causes and corrective actions that will be taken.
This is great news that paves the way for SpaceX's next test flight, with its SN10 prototype , installed on its launch pad for several weeks.
The vehicle fired two static shots, igniting its three Raptor engines for a few seconds. In the meantime, one of the motors had to be replaced. SpaceX is now preparing for its new launch at ten kilometers above sea level. This could take place in the evening. You can follow the event on the Astro Alex Youtube channel – the Space &Aero channel.
In a recent tweet, Elon Musk estimated the chance of passing this new test at around 60%.
Also recall that during a podcast recorded a few days ago with Joe Rogan, Musk said that SpaceX still aims to put a Starship prototype into orbit this year . He also thinks that the first manned flights can be scheduled as early as 2023 .
