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SpaceX is approaching the day when it will be able to fulfill its promise to conduct regular missions in orbit, the Moon, and Mars. At the center of all this is the progress they are making with their Starship and Super heavy launch system. In recent weeks, Musk’s commercial space company conducted two successful 150-m (500-foot) jump tests with the SN5 and SN6 prototypes at the Boca Chica launch facility in South Texas.
Based on the latest announcements from SpaceX, it appears that this recent string of successes has emboldened Musk and his company. Earlier, Musk indicated that he planned to do several more small-jump tests and that the SN8 would attempt a 20 km (12 mile) flight sometime next year. However, more recent indications suggest that Musk wants to run this high-altitude test before the end of October.
The first indication came in the form of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week (Wednesday, September 9). The reason for this advisory, according to the FAA, was “to provide a secure environment for space operations,” which would remain in effect from 03:45 am UTC (11:45 am EDT; 08:45 am PDT) on Sept. 9 at 11:59 pm UTC (07:59 pm EDT; 04:59 pm PDT) on October 31.
An advisory warning pilots and planes to avoid the region over Boca Chica for nearly two months in a row would indicate that SpaceX plans to do some rigorous flight tests. At the very least, it would be seen as an indication that Musk was hoping to make more small jumps using the SN5 and SN6 (as he had previously said), as well as a second cryo-proof pressure test, this time with the SN7. 1 tank.
However, the next indication came from Musk himself via Twitter just two days ago (Saturday 12 September), where he stated that “the SN8 spacecraft with flaps and nose should be ready in about a week. Then static fire, checks, static fire, fly to 60,000 feet and come back. ”The SN8 will also be equipped with three Raptor engines, although it is not yet clear whether they will be SN27s or the newer SN29s.
The most challenging aspect of this test will be the landing part, which will consist of the vehicle turning off its engines and moving towards the ground. The purpose of this will be to see if the maneuvering fins and aerodynamic surfaces will allow the Starship to slide back to its landing site. Ground crews will attempt to restart the engine during the final seconds and turn the stern for a soft landing.
To be clear, 60,000 feet (18,288 meters) might just be an approximate number and not represent a reduction in target altitude. Either way, it’s clear that the company is focused on preparing the SN8 for its highest jump test to date. The SN8 fuselage was recently assembled within Mid Bay in Boca Chica and the aft fins are currently being installed. Meanwhile, the nose cone is inside the Windbreak facility awaiting final assembly.
Meanwhile, it is unclear what SpaceX plans to do with the SN5 and SN6, if they will be scrapped, used for further jump testing or some other purpose. However, both prototypes served their purpose, allowing SpaceX to test various iterations of the Starship design and fulfill the cryogenic load test, static fire test and jump test.
Another important milestone coming up soon is the SN7.1 tank pressure test. Like its predecessor, this tank will be pressurized with cryogenic liquid nitrogen until it experiences a blowout. Again, the purpose of this is to test the effectiveness of the alloy steel (340L) and the fabrication techniques used to create all of the latest Spaceships variants.
That event is expected to occur later this week and will be the last hurdle before the SN8 deploys and makes final preparations before making its high-altitude jump. These will include two static fire tests of its three Raptor engines and a complete system and structural check in between. Since this will be the first static firing of three Raptor engines together, those tests will also represent a milestone.
“One way or another, excitement guaranteed!” Musk additional. “The support of the Boca, Padre, Brownsville community is greatly appreciated.”
Top Image Credit: @ErcXspace
Further reading: NASA SpaceFlight, FEW
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