SN9 Launching Soon

On December 9, 2020, SpaceX launched Starship SN8. The Starship SN8 launch was an essential test flight for SpaceX. It was the first high altitude launch of Starship, reaching 12.5 km (7.8 mi). Lasting 6 minutes and 42 seconds, the launch was a partial success. While Starship SN8 could get its desired attitude, it couldn’t land correctly due to a pressure difference. If you haven’t watched the launch, I highly recommend checking it out (Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qwLHlVjRyw). Nonetheless, even though they failed, SpaceX started working on the next prototype, Starship SN9.

SN9 at the Launchpad at Boca Chica

Starship is SpaceX’s next spacecraft. It will be one of the most powerful spacecraft in the world and be mainly used as a payload and transport ship. SpaceX has already signed contracts with NASA to use Starship in the Artemis program to supply outposts on the Moon. This will happen around 2024.

Starship SN9 is currently on track to an early New Years’ launch. SpaceX has been doing many test fires and static fires in the last weeks to ensure that their raptor engines are working. One test involved filling the vehicle with nitrogen. This test, called the ambient test, is first loaded with gaseous nitrogen and then super-cold liquid nitrogen. 

SN10 Nosecone Being Attached

SN9 will try to fix what happened to SN8. After the partially successful SN8 launch, Elon Musk said that the issue was caused due to the fuel (CH4) losing pressure during the launch’s final seconds. He confirmed that these issues have been fixed with SN9. SpaceX has already started production on the SN10. Images show that the nose cone is already assembled, and it has its aero surfaces.

SpaceX has planned test launches all the way to SN17, so the future is bright for them. If Starship is a success, it will be a big win for SpaceX and will help push it to be the front runner in private companies in space development. Remember, the launch of SN9 will happen sometime in the next few weeks, so don’t miss it.

Planned Starship Tests

Sources:

Bergin, written by Chris. “Starship SN9's Time to Shine - Test Series Targets a New Year's Resolution.” NASASpaceFlight.com, 29 Dec. 2020, www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/12/starship-sn9s-test-series-targets-new-years/.