April 26, 2021
Starship SN15 is set to re-enter pre-launch testing Monday, tasked with setting the scene this week for a flight that could pave the way toward an orbital flight in the coming months. The groundwork for the push to orbit is taking place both at the Orbital Launch Site and elsewhere in Texas as a new dual-bay Raptor test stand nears completion.
Starship SN15:
Since arriving at the Suborbital Launch Site, SN15 has undergone several “risk reduction” tests ahead of firing up her trio of Raptors.
I have received an Alert notice and there is a road and beach closure scheduled from noon – 8 p.m. on Monday, April 26. Possible static fire attempt of Starship SN15’s Raptor engines tomorrow. @NASASpaceflightpic.twitter.com/ungUt4gIfL
Starship SN15 prepares to rollout as Raptor testing ups a gear
April 4, 2021
Just days after Starship SN11 conducted a fog-cloaked test flight that ended in an explosive finale, SN15 is already in final preparations for a rollout down Highway 4 at SpaceX Starbase (Boca Chica). SN15 will sport numerous modifications that SpaceX hopes will result in improved performance ahead of shooting for orbit along with smoother touchdowns for its prototype rocket.
One of the mostly unspecified modifications involves the engines, which are being aided by an increased test cadence at SpaceX’s McGregor test site. The center is currently constructing two additional vertical Raptor test stands to increase throughput.
Starship SN11 prepares to fly as SpaceX pushes for Orbital flight this summer
March 15, 2021
Starship SN11 will re-attempt a Static Fire test Thursday – following a scrub on Monday – ahead of a potential flight as early as the weekend or the start of next week. Forever subject to change due to numerous considerations – ranging from weather, hardware parameters, and paperwork approval – SN11 will mark the final test of this iteration of Starship before the program moves into the next phase of testing.
Following SN11’s flight, SpaceX will move on to SN15, 16, and 17, alongside testing with Super Heavy prototypes BN1 and BN2, before shooting for an orbital launch with SN20 and BN3. In typical SpaceX-style, that orbital launch has an astonishing – and unlikely – “by July 1” target. At the very least, this target portrays SpaceX’s Starship drive to push the vehicle into operation.
A far cry from the 150-meter hops of SN5 and SN6, observers were somewhat spoilt by the achievements of Starship SN8, which completed numerous firsts during its 12.5 km high launch. SN9 mirrored most of the tasks before suffering an engine issue during the pre-landing flip.
Those tasks will continue to be refined as SN10 rose into the South Texas skyline, initially under the power of her three Raptor engines. During ascent, one engine shut down, followed by a second, before the final remaining engine reoriented the ship for its belly-flop descent before it too shut down.
For SN8 and SN9, both vehicles showed good aerosurface controllability during the belly-flop back to the landing site. This was a major objective for Starship. This was once again the case for SN10.
However, after the test, Elon noted that an engine swap would be required.
One of the engines is suspect, so we’re swapping it out
This required a second Static Fire test to be conducted ahead of setting a new launch target.
With the engine swap conducted in record time, Thursday saw SN10 fire up again – this time successfully (albeit without any official confirmation).
However, with roadblocks canceled and TFRs pointing to a launch opportunities on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week – all appears to be back on track.
Setting the launch date requires data from testing being fed into the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) – along with FAA approval – since granted, and acceptable weather conditions for launch day.