SpaceX to Hop SN-11 10 km [30.03.2021 - Exploded] - Third Attempt

about 3 years ago (Edited)

EDIT 2: Elon's comment:

At least the crater is in the right place!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 30, 2021

EDIT 1: the launch on the 29th got cancelled, because the relevant FAA official couldn't make it to the pad in time.

Here is Elon's post:

FAA inspector unable to reach Starbase in time for launch today. Postponed to no earlier than tomorrow.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 29, 2021

Here is a reply by the FAA, posted by Eric Berger:

FAA statement on the need for an inspector at the Starship launch site. Notable thing here is that the FAA needs “adequate notice” to get an inspector to South Texas. pic.twitter.com/wBxx7LhZJX
— Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) March 29, 2021

Tim Dodd with an overview of how different Starship is compared to SpaceX's Flacon 9 rockets:

Complete Guide To Starship: Falcon 9 VS Starship. What's new? What's different?

This is the second attempt to launch a new Starship prototype, SN-11.

The only known and visible change is even more test heat tiles. There might be another firing sequence of the three Raptor engines for landing, and maybe even a two engine landing.

It is unclear if SN-11 will be flown again, if successful. There are so many upgraded prototypes in the pipeline that it might not be worth to attempt a re-flight.

Next step is probably fitting the B1 Starship booster on the launch stand and see if everything works as expected. B1 is only a mock-up prototype and never intended to fly.

Next flight attempt will probably be SN-15 after B1 pathfinder testing.

Easiest way to know how close the launch is, check LIVE: Starship SN11 Flight Test by NASASpaceflight.

Rules of thumb:

it takes at least an hour to launch after all personal has cleared the area
it takes at least 30 minutes after start of propellant loading
it takes at least 10 minutes after venting

A detailed look at steps and times before lift-off: How to Predict when Starship will Launch | NSF Explains

Weather is looking ok, but there is a light cloud cover. Starship uses radar systems to land. It might be of interest to SpaceX to have clear visibility of the vehicle during the whole flight path.

Where to watch:

Tim Dodd: The Everyday Astronaut
NASASpaceflight: LIVE: Starship SN11 Flight Test
SpaceX Livestream

Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia

Starship development history

Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Check TFR (Temporary flight restrictions) issued by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), look for a NOTAM (notice to airmen ) at Brownsville, Texas

Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule

Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews

Data: flightclub.io