SpaceX set for ambitious Starship SN9 high-altitude test
Nicholas D'Alessandro
January 26th, 2021
Starship SN9 is set to fly its 12.5-kilometer high-altitude flight as early as this week. Credit: Nicholas D’Alessandro / Spaceflight Insider
With the remnants of the explosively successful flight of SN8 only recently cleared from the pad, the next prototype in line, Starship SN9, continues the company’s theme of ultra-rapid development.
All major pre-flight tests, the cryogenic proof test that ensures the vehicle can be pressurized with super-chilled propellants and a saga of static fires of the three Raptor engines have now been completed. SpaceX currently looks to be targeting Jan. 27, 2021, for a 12.5-kilometer high-altitude flight for its SN9 test article.