SpaceX prepares to conduct the next Starship SN6 launch attempt

Featured Image Source: SpaceX / Starship SN5 test launch August 4

SpaceX is in the initial phase of developing its Starship spacecraft. The founder at SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk aims to develop a fully reusable craft capable of enabling humans to become a multi-planet species. Multiple Starship prototypes are under construction to undergo testing at Boca Chica Beach in South Texas along the border with Mexico. Starship will be a two-stage launch vehicle, consisting of a spacecraft (Starship) and a Super Heavy rocket booster.

To date, SpaceX has been successful in flying two prototypes; one in 2019, the other early last month. A stainless-steel prototype, referred to as Starship SN5, took flight on August 4^th. It lifted off 150-meters off the ground and landed on a nearby landing pad. Engineers plan to test-launch many of these prototypes, it will offer them insight towards developing a space-ready spacecraft.

When do you think we might see another hop attempt of SN6? It seems like the wind might have been a factor for the abort yesterday. @elonmusk #SpaceX #Bocachica 🛩️📷🚀08/27 (taken at 2400ft msl) pic.twitter.com/7wMLia9gkl

— RGVAerialPhotography (@RGVaerialphotos) August 31, 2020

Last week on August 30, SpaceX attempted to conduct a low-altitude test flight of the next stainless-steel Starship prototype, SN6, during a 12-hour launch window. The vehicle was expected to also ‘hop’ 150-meters off the ground and conduct a vertical landing powered by a single Raptor engine at Boca Chica beach.

Engineers attempted to launch Starship SN6 in the morning, the vehicle was fueled but the flight aborted minutes into the launch countdown. Then, in the afternoon, they attempted to launch a second time; the flight was aborted at T-5 minutes again. It is unclear if the launch was postponed due to technical issues or due to high winds in the area.

Now, the company aims to try to launch SN6 again this week. According to Boca Chica beach road closures, Starship SN6 could take flight as soon as Thursday, September 3^rd, with backup opportunities on September 4 and 5 during a 12-hour launch window starting at 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDT every day. SpaceX will also test out the next prototype in line, SN7.1, it is a small-scale dome tank that will undergo pressure testing to assess the stainless-steel thrust puck strength and weld quality. SN7.1 testing may take place on September 6, with additional testing opportunities on September 7 and 8.

Spot the difference (left taken 08/27, Right taken 08/20)#SpaceX #Bocachica pic.twitter.com/pYKl934Kk2

— RGVAerialPhotography (@RGVaerialphotos) September 1, 2020

Musk said that Starship SN5 might take flight again, as part of the company’s goal to develop a reusable vehicle. So, the vehicle might conduct a second flight this month if pre-flight preparations of the previously-flown vehicle go smoothly.

Meanwhile, Starship SN8 is under construction, it will be the first fully-assembled Starship that will be powered by 3 Raptor engines and feature a nose cone with aerodynamic fins to conduct a "belly flop" flight during a higher altitude test launch of around 20-kilometers.

The orbital version of Starship will have 6 Raptor engines, 3 sea-level optimized Raptors for atmospheric flight, and 3 vacuum optimized Raptors for propulsion in space. The spacecraft will require the Super Heavy rocket to get it out of Earth's atmosphere in order to conserve its fuel. During the Humans to Mars conference yesterday, Musk said SpaceX aims to fly a Starship to orbit next year; stating that the company will initiate the construction of the massive Super Heavy rocket booster this week. The booster will be equipped with 28 Raptor engines and feature the ability to launch and land like the company’s signature Falcon 9 rockets. Large structures at the launch pad can already be seen at Boca Chica, where the first orbital prototype may launch from, pictured below.

Orbital Launch Mount update. 08/27 https://t.co/dGpvgoDEmt 🛩️📷🚀2300ft msl#SpaceX #bocachica @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/ag6QcuemSz

— RGVAerialPhotography (@RGVaerialphotos) August 28, 2020