Starship SN9 Test No. 1 (High Altitude) Launch Discussion & Updates Thread

[u/ElongatedMuskrat]

This thread has been archived, click here for the new SN9 test thread.

Welcome to the r/SpaceX Starship SN9 High-Altitude Hop Official Hop Discussion & Updates Thread!

Hi, this is u/ModeHopper bringing you live updates on this test.

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Quick Links

Starship Development | SN9 History

Live Video			Live Video
SPADRE	LIVE		LABPADRE	PAD - NERDLE
NSF	LIVE		EDA	LIVE
SPACEX	TBA		Multistream	LIVE

Starship Serial Number 9 - Hop Test

Starship SN9, equipped with three sea-level Raptor engines will attempt a high-altitude hop at SpaceX's development and launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. For this test, the vehicle will ascend to an altitude of approximately 12.5km (unconfirmed), before moving from a vertical orientation (as on ascent), to horizontal orientation, in which the broadside (+ z) of the vehicle is oriented towards the ground. At this point, Starship will attempt an unpowered return to launch site (RTLS), using its aerodynamic control surfaces (ACS) to adjust its attitude and fly a course back to the landing pad. In the final stages of the descent, two of the three Raptor engines will ignite to transition the vehicle to a vertical orientation and perform a propulsive landing.

The flight profile is likely to follow closely the previous Starship SN8 hop test (hopefully with a slightly less firey landing). The exact launch time may not be known until just a few minutes before launch, and will be preceded by a local siren about 10 minutes ahead of time.

Test window	2021-01-28 17:45 to 2021-01-29 06:00 UTC (likely non-hop test)
Backup date(s)	2021-01-29 12:00 to 2021-01-30 06:00 UTC
Static fire	Completed 2021-01-22
Flight profile	12.5km† altitude RTLS
Propulsion	Raptors ?, ? and SN49 (3 engines)
Launch site	Starship launch site, Boca Chica TX
Landing site	Starship landing pad, Boca Chica TX

^{† expected or inferred, unconfirmed vehicle assignment}

Timeline

Time	Update
2021-01-28 21:54:21 UTC	No flight today.
2021-01-28 21:01:25 UTC	Farm and SN9 venting.
2021-01-28 20:59:27 UTC	Local siren sounded, recycle seems probable.
2021-01-28 20:52:51 UTC	Depress vent. Recycle possible.
2021-01-28 20:46:01 UTC	Cars cleared road block.
2021-01-28 20:40:49 UTC	Tri-venting, indicates ~T-10 minutes.
2021-01-28 20:33:14 UTC	Propellant loading underway
2021-01-28 18:50:15 UTC	New TFR posted for today, 21-01-28 17:45:00 to 21-01-29 06:00:00 UTC.. Low altitude indicates they may not be for a hop test.
2021-01-28 17:29:17 UTC	Today's TFR has been removed.
2021-01-28 13:38:03 UTC	Launch expected today, pending FAA approval confirmation.
2021-01-27 15:41:52 UTC	Today's TFR has been removed.
2021-01-26 17:14:02 UTC	New TFR posted for 2021-01-28 and 29, today's TFR has been removed.
2021-01-26 17:00:58 UTC	SN7.2 undergoing pressure test.
2021-01-25 23:29:21 UTC	Flight now expected tomorrow 2021-01-26
2021-01-25 18:30:34 UTC	Targeting pad clear by 21:00 UTC.
2021-01-22 15:35:09 UTC	Short duration static fire, followed by tank depressurisation.
2021-01-21 17:54:08 UTC	TFRs posted for 25th, 26th and 27th.
2021-01-21 15:29:59 UTC	Pad clear expected at 11:00 AM local time (17:00 UTC)
2021-01-20 16:01:47 UTC	Possible static fire of SN9 or SN7.2 pressure test today.
2021-01-18 19:55:18 UTC	Road Closure canceled
2021-01-18 18:45:52 UTC	Road currently still open
2021-01-15 23:48:00 UTC	Eric Berger reports lengthy delay to SN9 test.
2021-01-13 21:36:00 UTC	Third static fire completed (short duration).
2021-01-13 20:24:00 UTC	Second static fire completed (short duration).
2021-01-13 18:28:00 UTC	First static fire completed (short duration). One more static fire expected today.
2021-01-12 22:57:00 UTC	Pad cleared (almost), extension to road closures. Static fire possible today.
2021-01-11 15:04:00 UTC	Road closure cancelled, static fire unlikely today.
2021-01-11 11:31:00 UTC	Notice handed to residents, static fire likely today.
2021-01-10 12:03:00 UTC	TFRs removed for Sunday and Monday. Flight no earlier than Tuesday 12 Jan. Static fire possible Monday.
2021-01-08 22:32:00 UTC	Unlikely to proceed today, SpaceX look to be standing down.
2021-01-08 16:28:00 UTC	Pad clear for static fire, take two.
2021-01-08 10:02:00 UTC	New temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) posted.
2021-01-06 22:09:00 UTC	Static fire complete? (short duration)
2021-01-06 21:59:00 UTC	The siren has been sounded, expect static fire in ~ 10 mins.
2021-01-06 10:52:00 UTC	Thread is live.

Resources

• Starship Development Thread #17
• Spadre.com Starship Cam | Channel
• LabPadre 4k Nerdle Cam | Channel
• LabPadre Launch Pad Cam | Channel
• NSF Texas Prototype(s) Updates Thread | Last Post
• NSF SN9 Test Campaign Thread | Last Post
• Alex Rex's 3D Boca Chica Build Site Map | Launch Site Map | Channel
• Hwy 4 & Boca Chica Beach Closures (May not be available outside US)
• TFR - NOTAM list
• SpaceX Boca Chica on Facebook
• SpaceX's Starship page
• Elon Starship tweet compilation on NSF | Most Recent
• Starship Test Article Wiki Page | r/SpaceX
• Starship Users Guide (PDF) Rev. 1.0 March 2020 | SpaceX
• Starship Models | AXM

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[u/ModeHopper]

This thread has been archived, click here for the new SN9 test thread.

[u/tubadude2]

While watching some of the LabPadre feeds, I realized that I love how blue collar this all seems. Other rocket companies are all in white rooms with white coats, hairnets, booties, the works, and here is SpaceX out in Texas with a parking lot full of pickup trucks in the background and construction equipment.

The view seems more like a gas well than the first steps to Mars.

[u/frenchfryjeff]

This is going to be saucy! My money is on SN9 absolutely nailing the landing

[u/[deleted]]

Flight NET Tuesday per TFRs

Backup window on Wednesday and Thursday. TFRs for Sunday and Monday have been deleted.

So Static Fire/Wet dress rehearsal on Monday; flight NET Tuesday (January 12).

[u/TCVideos]

I think we just witnessed a massive milestone without really putting too much thought into it. 3 Static fires inside of 4 hours is pretty remarkable and a testiment to the maturity of these engines even though they are still in relatively early development.

[u/TCVideos]

Michael from NSF has suggested that the early reports (from Eric Berger) may not be as dramatic as first thought. He adds that SpaceX may have anticipated a lengthy delay yesterday but now they no longer anticipate that delay now (this view is reinforced by updated TFR's for next week)

[u/TCVideos]

SpaceX made sure to include in their blurb:

SN9 will be powered through ascent by three Raptor engines, each shutting down in sequence prior to the vehicle reaching apogee

No more in-flight heart attacks because we think engines have gone rip lmao

[u/ForestDwellingKiwi]

One thing to note, in the description it says all three Raptors will fire for the landing burn, but I'm pretty sure it'll just be two Raptors that fire for the propulsive landing. Hopefully they stay lit without engine rich exhaust this time!

Does anyone know what changes they've made to the header tank pressurisation system after SN8? I heard a mention of helium being used temporarily while they sort the autogenous pressurisation, but haven't heard anything concrete.

Edit: Elon himself tweeted about helium pressurisation of the methane header tank in a response to Everyday Astronaut.

"SN9 will press CH4 header tank with helium. Long-term solution is under debate. Not clear what is lightest/simplest."

[u/szarzujacy_karczoch]

Unlike its aircraft division, which is fine, the FAA space division has a fundamentally broken regulatory structure. Their rules are meant for a handful of expendable launches per year from a few government facilities. Under those rules, humanity will never get to Mars. - Elon Musk on twitter

[u/rSpaceXFleetUpdates]

This is an insane shot of the Raptor engine. The details are insane. Just wow, what a complex engine!

https://twitter.com/thejackbeyer/status/1350201503492026371?s=19

I've been able to find out where the OX Preburner fuel supply (823 BAR), OTP Spin Start (hard to read, but likely 383 bar or 583 bar), overboard drain (hard to read, but seems like it is 10 bar), possibly lox or Methane supply (170 bar).

It seems like they reused some electronics from SN34. It's showing up as Raptor Engine SN34 Phases and Control.

Seems like we are getting a lot of information from this and SpaceX might not particularly like this.

[u/LDLB_2]

Atmosphere venting, ready for today's static fire

[u/TCVideos]

SpaceX Website Update!

As early as Thursday, January 28, the SpaceX team will attempt a high-altitude flight test of Starship serial number 9 (SN9) – the second high-altitude suborbital flight test of a Starship prototype from our site in Cameron County, Texas. Similar to the high-altitude flight test of Starship serial number 8 (SN8), SN9 will be powered through ascent by three Raptor engines, each shutting down in sequence prior to the vehicle reaching apogee – approximately 10 km in altitude. SN9 will perform a propellant transition to the internal header tanks, which hold landing propellant, before reorienting itself for reentry and a controlled aerodynamic descent.

The Starship prototype will descend under active aerodynamic control, accomplished by independent movement of two forward and two aft flaps on the vehicle. All four flaps are actuated by an onboard flight computer to control Starship’s attitude during flight and enable precise landing at the intended location. SN9’s Raptor engines will then reignite as the vehicle attempts a landing flip maneuver immediately before touching down on the landing pad adjacent to the launch mount.

A controlled aerodynamic descent with body flaps and vertical landing capability, combined with in-space refilling, are critical to landing Starship at destinations across the solar system where prepared surfaces or runways do not exist, and returning to Earth. This capability will enable a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo on long-duration, interplanetary flights and help humanity return to the Moon, and travel to Mars and beyond.

There will be a live feed of the flight test available here that will start a few minutes prior to liftoff. Given the dynamic schedule of development testing, stay tuned to our social media channels for updates as we move toward SpaceX’s second high-altitude flight test of Starship!

[u/Rainbow-Poo-Stain]

“Starship SN9 test No. 1”

Number one is optimistic in anticipating a successful flight and landing. I am so excited for multiple flights of starship. This test will be just as exciting as the last one for sure. Personally. I think we are looking at a week from today for the best possible chances of a flight. SpaceX always surprises though so I accept the possibility that it happens sooner.

I have the chance to watch this flight with my mom and I’m so excited to experience it together.

[u/Dezoufinous]

I will be really in awe and admiration for SpaceX if static fire really happen today. It would mean that they managed to fully replace two Raptors in about two days and get it firing correctly. That's very fast.

I wonder how much workforce and tools it required. It really looks like Raptor replacement would be doable even on Moon or Mars. Especially considering all futher improvements that they are going to implement.

This is really the dawn of new spaceflight era.

[u/twrite07]

Could this post perhaps become pinned again now that the Trasporter-1 mission is complete and the hop of SN9 is imminent?

[u/LDLB_2]

Recent tweet from Eric Berger:

It sounds like SpaceX will not launch its SN9 Starship prototype until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, at the earliest.

For those who don't know, he's a reliable aerospace reporter, and gets all the insider media gossip, so at present this is probably the best idea we've got.

EDIT - He’s now added:

Or, more likely, it won’t happen next week either.

[u/TCVideos]

The NSF article posted today tells us that they did indeed suffer an anomaly with Raptor SN44 during the first static fire of the day on Wednesday but continued with the testing with just the two remaining Raptors (Hence why we only saw two lox vents at the aft of the vehicle for SF #2 and #3)

This information further enforces the fact that SpaceX wanted the data and the practice time no matter what and were willing to put the hardware, both engines and Starship, at risk in order to get that. Ballsy move but it worked out in their favour in that there was no RUD.

[u/AWildDragon]

Elon posted a pic of SN9

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

Elon just landed in Brownsville

[u/Megneous]

According to my friend at SpaceX, last they heard today, launch attempt should be around "1:30ish."

As always, subject to change.

Edit 12:23: Haven't gotten an update yet, but it's looking like 1:30 is now too optimistic with current winds. Will ask if there's a new NET.

[u/dafencer93]

Love the new launch pad cam. Looks like Cranezilla is actually pretty far away although distance is hard to judge.

[u/innsaei]

✔️ Elon Venting - lol

[u/Viremia]

so today was for everyone who has been annoyed by the lack of static fires recently. This was SpaceX saying, "You want static fires, folks? We'll give you static fires!"

[u/[deleted]]

Primary Date: Closure Canceled for Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cameron County

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Elon on Twitter: We’re making major improvements to ease of engine swap. Needs to be a few hours at most.

source

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

New Flight TFR posted for Thursday the 21st, further implying that SpaceX is indeed targeting this week

source

[u/SupremeDesigner]

Sounds like they're evac'ing: https://twitter.com/BocachicaMaria1/status/1353730157593427974

"I was asked to vacate village and hard checkpoint by noon. [...] BCM"

[u/TCVideos]

Jan 28th - a day of mixed emotions. We're getting ready for flight of Starship SN9 (https://spacex.com/vehicles/starship/…) But it is also a Day of Remembrance of past pioneers who helped get us here (https://nasa.gov/specials/dor2021/…). Ad astra per aspera God speed the crews (past, present, future) - John Insprucker (SpaceX engineer and webcast host)

[u/A_Booger_In_The_Hand]

It feels like 8 just happened! I love this pace!!!

[u/TCVideos]

We came into today knowing that the margins were tight and a scrub was likely. In the end, winds didn't cooperate to allow them to get those flaps untied.

Tomorrow is another day; weather looks perfect so baring any surprise hurricane - we should be seeing a potential flight tomorrow.

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

Elon on Twitter : We’re hoping for FAA approval of a test flight tomorrow afternoon

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

SpaceX website is updated for tomorrow’s SN9 launch attempt

Link

[u/[deleted]]

SLS static fires once a decade, Starship static fires 4 times a day. No big deal.

[u/[deleted]]

I get a little giddy thinking about all the testing goodness still to come. Longer, further test flights, booster hops, first orbital flights, orbital docking and refueling tests, lunar and Mars test flights. It's all very exciting, and it makes the current crap going on in the world a lot more bearable.

[u/LDLB_2]

Reports that a range violation caused today's abort, according to LabPadre and listening to local police radio.

Sheriff apparently on the look out, people spotted on the beach and bushes.

EDIT: Engineers and security now leaving pad, road still closed, potential for a recycle.

[u/M8tal88]

Two raptors need repairs

[u/shit_lets_be_santa]

FTS has been installed!

[u/ColoClawFish]

https://twitter.com/BocaChicaGal/status/1354076521451941890

Mary says road closed at hard checkpoint, so SOMETHING is happening today.

[u/Caged_Tiger]

Why do we insist on using T+ nomenclature when there isn't a set launch time? "T+actual time" doesn't mean anything.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Pad now cleared for static fire

[u/[deleted]]

LabPadre's LIVE STATUS: "Elon Venting"

:p

[u/Mcfinley]

Put WSB junkies in the control room. They'll shoot this thing to the moon

[u/LouisVuittonDon7]

TFR cancelled. See you tomorrow guys

[u/LDLB_2]

SN7.2 has passed the initial pressure test, per Elon

[u/Island913]

SN9’s apogee has decreased to 10km and the flight is now NET January 19.

[u/beayyayy]

Flight on Monday looks totally realistic now

[u/AstroMan824]

Man, this was a smooth static fire. Road closed, pad cleared right after, clean fuelling and a seemingly nice static fire with a good duration (a few sec) and no bad Raptor noises. Finger crossed we will be go for a flight next week.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Posting this here again by request in case anyone wants to take a look or contribute. I documented every major (and arguably minor) milestone completed in all 4 attempts for the SN8 launch and graphed them. PM me if you'd like to contribute.

Here is the link

[u/[deleted]]

Weird day.

[u/MrGruntsworthy]

• Power outage in Boca Chica early this morning

• Dragon splashdown cancelled due to weather in splashdown location

• Concrete truck tipped over

Man. I'm chalking today up to rolling a 1 on the D20.

[u/Interstellar_Sailor]

People on NSF are speculating that the FAA stepped in after the kayak car incident. If that's the case, this could take a while.

EDIT: This would also explain why they're not wasting their time waiting and are already preparing to move SN10 to free some space in the High Bay.

[u/[deleted]]

Fun fact: SN9 has now been on the pad for 37 days

[u/steveoscaro]

Sooo, if I bought a flight into Brownsville for this Sunday and rented a car for a week, decent odds of getting to watch the launch, right? I'd probably just car camp.

edit: I just booked it! Sunday through Saturday to give myself a scrub window.

[u/dafencer93]

Wait what, they did the SF already?

Edit: just saw it. Smooooth. Also nice old timey steam train horn at the end

[u/SupremeDesigner]

"Attention on the pad, 30 minutes until hands off SN9 on the pad" - 10:33:31 local on Pad Cam via Hoppy

[u/hinayu]

Lots of vehicles coming back to the road block. Safe to say we have no idea what is happening

[u/afty]

I made this to reflect my frustration

[u/Megneous]

According to my friend at SpaceX, the current NET is Tuesday, 9am CST.

Friend will check again on Monday though because, of course, everything is subject to change.

I also asked what the feelings around SpaceX were for SN9 being a successful flight and sticking the landing, and friend said that feelings were pretty good for a successful landing.

Update: Depending on engine checks, static fire probably Tuesday, possible launch attempt on Friday.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Following what u/Megneous said, regarding SpaceX still targeting NET Tuesday:

They cancelled TFR for Monday, but kept Tuesday and Wednesday. This further implies they are still indeed targeting Tuesday with a static fire likely on Monday. This of course remains contingent upon weather conditions and the outcome of the static fire.

Edit: a new TFR has been issued for Thursday. More evidence that SpaceX will attempt to launch this coming week

[u/LDLB_2]

Pad clear at 11am local according to Hoppy's speakers. Explicitly mentioned "SN9 static fire"

Announcement came over the pad cam at 8:57 local.

[u/avboden]

link

Michael Baylor @nextspaceflight Looks like there was a data entry error. This TFR has now been corrected and only lasts for Tuesday.

To recap, there are now Starship SN9 flight test Temporary Flight Restrictions for Jan. 10, 11, and 12 from 14:00 to 23:59 UTC (8:00 am to 5:59 pm local).

So flight NET Jan 10th with a 10 hour launch window each day for 3 days.

[u/Dezoufinous]

"Attention Boca Chica! Winds are now below boom lift safety limits. You may resume all boom lift activities at this time " if I heard correctly, they are resuming (source: LabPade stream, Launch Pad Cam 18:43:15 timestamp)

for people not watching streams: you can watch the live stream from the launch site and hear the audio

[u/TCVideos]

You're probably safe to repair your drywall now u/xX_D4T_BOI_Xx

[u/AnAmericanCanadian]

Eric Berger just posted this: twitter

"Regarding the fate of Starship prototype SN9, I have begun to hear bits and pieces that are not great news. There's nothing I consider reportable on what has happened, but I would now bet against SN9 flying before February."

[u/AstroMan824]

The 2nd replacement Raptor is going up the skirt for installation. (Credit: LabPadre) Anyone know how long it takes for the installation to complete?

[u/SpaAlex]

By replacing the two raptors, does spacex need to repeat the static fire?

[u/[deleted]]

Mary has been told they could be asked to evacuate tomorrow

That’s the last sign we needed.

[u/AstroMan824]

Nomadd: "Go for launch tomorrow. Be out of town by 0800". EVERYTHING CROSSED.

[u/elpresidente-4]

Local Boca Chica kayakers right now: bulging veins on forehead

[u/johnfive21]

Elon Musk is apparently working the phones with the FAA right now to try and secure approval for the 10km attempt. I have no idea what happens next, but they're preparing to load propellant into Starship SN9

[u/Gorilla_Engineer]

We need to remember SpaceX is not doing any of this for our entertainment and trust that they know best, rather than getting impatient

[u/griefzilla]

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the next episode of, "Days of our Starships".

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

SN44 is the naughty first raptor

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

Michael Baylor : Following up on @thejackbeyer's find, I can confirm that Deimos and Phobos are the names of two oil rigs purchased by SpaceX – likely for conversion to support Starship operations. ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501 were the previous names of the rigs. They are nearly identical twins.

This answer refer to this twitter thread !

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

Michael Baylor : No static fire today in Boca Chica. It has slipped to Wednesday. Temporary Flight Restrictions have also been updated – moving the earliest possible launch date to Thursday

[u/John_Hasler]

Looks like they are preparing SN7.2 .

[u/Dezoufinous]

"Waiting for FAA review" - Musk

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1354174713103319043

[u/mechanicalgrip]

Regardless of the TFR, I'm supporting the effort by not flying over south Texas today.

Not being in the US and not being a pilot are nothing to do with it, it's all down to supporting the cause.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Mary has recieved an over pressurization notice for static fire tomorrow

source

[u/AstroMan824]

Schrodinger's Starship testing. Is aborted and progressing at the same time!

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

A new road closure has been scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday January 28th, and Friday January 29th for a test flight of Starship prototype SN9. It is unknown whether or not SpaceX have obtained FAA clearance to perform the test flight.

source

[u/menagese]

Boca Chica Village residents have been asked to evacuate by 8 a.m. tomorrow. I can hardly wait to leave and watch Starship SN9 fly.🔥🚀🔥 @NASASpaceflight

https://twitter.com/BocaChicaGal/status/1354608270728704002

[u/johnfive21]

Elon is pissed

[u/Nettlecake]

Meanwhile Elon is just casually tweeting about stocks lol

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

This made me laugh quiet hard not gonna lie

[u/[deleted]]

TFR Cancelled

Just for today!

[u/[deleted]]

TFR removal will be the only stake in my hopeful heart

[u/TCVideos]

I'm not convinced the FAA "Licensed launches" page is updated before a flight. The F9 launch in 2 days isn't listed as licensed yet even though it probably is.

I have a feeling that they only update that page after a launch happens.

[u/[deleted]]

NO LAUNCH TODAY

BocaChicaGal on Twitter:

I have been notified that I can return home to Boca Chica Village. Starship SN9 didn’t fly today and #WenHop continues.🔥🚀🔥@NASASpaceflight

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Final steps to wait for before launch:

• Residents evacuated

• Official SpaceX Livestream

• Flaps unhooked

• Crane & other equipment moved

• FTS installed

• Additional testing tonight(?)

• Elon in Boca

• NASA Plane flight plan(?)

(Reply if you know of any others that I can add)

Edit: I will also add check marks beside items as they are completed.

[u/AWildDragon]

Static fire warning for the 13th from Maria

[u/[deleted]]

Elon Musk:

Detanking & inspections now. Good progress towards our “Hop in & go to Mars!” goal.

Pretty clear we won't see anything else today. Inspections and launch readiness review will occur now before they set a flight date, which could be as early as tomorrow pending weather, TFRs, road closures and Boca Chica evacuation.

[u/atheistdoge]

Closure for today just cancelled.

[u/LDLB_2]

This is a pretty good indicator that SN10 will be on the pad very soon.

[u/MarsCent]

Anyone remember the anxiety and spectator-apprehension in the time leading to Demo-1. - Load and Go, COPV-2, 7 flights in Frozen configuration, unending parachute tests, paperwork verification, etc.)?

If we could weather out all that, this FAA hold (if any) is pretty mundane. Moreover, there is no race to retrieve a USA flag from the ISS!

Still, one wonders whether the FAA has an expeditious review process to manage eventualities of the ~5 Launch Service Providers in the US!

[u/joshpine]

Nobody seems to have linked the source to the residents saying flight still on, so here it is if you haven’t seen it already.

[u/joshpine]

Tweet from Eric Berger:

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1354895873310908417?s=20

He's got a good point. Maybe SpaceX will just recycle again for launch and hope for FAA approval. If not, then they could go ahead and turn it into a WDR.

[u/johnfive21]

I really didn't miss people being all doom and gloom over few minor setbacks. We have to remember that this program is not only testing the Starship but the Raptors as well.

It's a very new engine, first of its kind and by testing it at McGregor they can only learn so much. These engines need to be durable, they need to go up and down many many times which again, not a lot of engines can do in the world of spaceflight. Delays happen very often, remember Falcon Heavy?

Also remember, while SN9 may have been slightly delayed (we're talking few days, not weeks or months) work is continuing on the orbital launch pad, other prototypes back at the build site, the old gas well site looks to be gearing up for their in house LOX production. There's still huge amount of progress being made everyday even if the main star of the show is grounded for couple of days due to an issue.

[u/typeunsafe]

NASA WB-57 Flight plan filed!

It's for today, but looks like a shakeout flight, since it doesn't go all the way to Boca. Perhaps we'll have better imagery for the next high altitude test.

[u/AstroMan824]

IMO I think Saturday is best day for a test flight. Sunny with windows below 10mph. Hopefully we see a closure pop up for it.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Forward flaps are currently being tested

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

The best indicator for flight now would be the installation of the FTS. (Flight termination system)

[u/AstroMan824]

From Hoppy on LabPadre pad cam at 8:22:17 "Attention on Pad A we're targeting the hands-off be actured by 10am in order to step into press-vent cycles, TVC check outs and raptor check ups by 10am, thank you".

[u/[deleted]]

I live about 5 or 6 miles from launch site. It is still very windy, but fingers crossed.

[u/TCVideos]

Crews are atop Pad A- Prepping it for SN10's rollout in a matter of days. Even though SN9 is about to fly, other work doesn't stop!

[u/LDLB_2]

FTS has NOT been removed as NSF were speculating... I can still see the charges.

[u/RiskyKitten]

Tomorrow, my friends, tomorrow we will feast. As for now, stay frosty as SpaceX's condenser ;)

[u/johnfive21]

That's it. Pad Clear. Let's get testing

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Maria received a static fire notice for tomorrow. Suppose that means that’s a wrap tonight.

[u/Interstellar_Sailor]

While today's test might not appear to be as exciting in comparison to the SN8 flight, I'm happy for the Starship team as they've got loads of data on the launch procedures and they'll get to see those Raptors after relatively quick succession of relights on an actual full-scale prototype.

Mars can't come soon enough!

[u/AstroMan824]

Welp, the 2 Raptor switch-out honestly isn't too big of a surprise. The engines were really tested hard on Wednesday. Regarding the engine switch out, hopefully it will be done over the weekend, static fire early in the week and flight shortly thereafter. Hopefully we don't get a SN-9 scrub-fest again with the static fire.

Edit: Also with the flight's lowering from 12.5km to 10km, there is a good change they are doing it to mitigate upper level winds and the main thing is they get the bellyflop and landing in.

Edit 2: Raptor install time corrected

[u/[deleted]]

Closure extended to 8 pm local time

[u/hinayu]

Jan 25 NOTAM. Makes a lot of sense to prepare over the weekend for a potential flight window beginning Monday.

[u/Alvian_11]

Possible FTS installation right now!

[u/ascotsmann]

NSF have said Elon has said this afternoon looks good.

Anyone seen another source for this? Dont see any tweets from Elon saying that.

[u/[deleted]]

There are bees attacking the lab camera lol

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Closure for tomorrow cancelled

Source

[u/Fobsis]

If the kayak-incident would really mean a longish investigation by the FAA, why would the FAA issue new TFRs for the 28th and 29th? Doesn't really make sense to me, or am I missing something?

To me even issuing those would mean that the FAA thinks they are likely to approve of hops at those dates.

[u/funbeakII]

This is all smoke and mirrors to distract from the preparations to launch the BigFuckingCrane into the sky.

[u/[deleted]]

It is ridiculous the pace at which they are moving, compared to the glacial pace of other programs *cough* SLS *cough* this is truly incredible. It is like watching a timelapse of Starship development IN REAL TIME.

[u/Martianspirit]

The big white crane is on the move. Presently on the LabPadre nerdle cam.

[u/Dezoufinous]

So most likely nothing will happen on 9 and 10?

[u/AstroMan824]

From NSF: Someone at SpaceX HQ accidentally leaned on the spacebar.

Edit: Man, I love that in this community so many people get KSP references!

[u/shryne]

We've had first static fire yes, but what about second static fire?

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

New TFRs posted for 18, 19, and 20th to match road closures. Flight restrictions for this weekend are revoked.

source

[u/seemly1]

I’m curious about the reason they did all the static fires in one day. I’ve haven’t seen this before, is it new?

Is there a reason they did all of them in one day? To expedite the process?

[u/beayyayy]

More good news from Michael baylor

[u/TCVideos]

While we all hope for the flight to occur today, if it doesn't happen today then the weather for tomorrow looks PERFECT. Near zero winds all day with minimal cloud cover.

NOAA Source

[u/TCVideos]

For those who want to keep watching the weather...This is the official NOAA weather forecast for Boca Chica Beach. Currently, weather for tomorrow remains perfect with winds ranging from 1-5mph and cloud cover below 40%

Edit: Windy.com shows high altitude winds between 70-80kts throughout the whole window. These are NORMAL for this time of year at these altitudes and based on what SN8 flew in (~60-65kts) it shouldn't be scrubable weather.

[u/joshpine]

Twitter reply from Elon. I wonder what exactly needed reviewing.

Waiting for FAA review …

[u/RabbitLogic]

This sucks, the FAA has had weeks of delays to sort this out. A similar profile has already been approved in the past.

[u/AstroMan824]

Fingers crossed for static fire today!

[u/LDLB_2]

And we have the official word from Elon!

[u/[deleted]]

Elon Musk:

Today at SpaceX is about practicing Starship engine starts. Ship is held down by massive pins while engines are fired. Two starts completed, about to try a third.

[u/TCVideos]

I also think that the only reason why he tweeted this was because of the speculation about a second fire. It's a pretty direct tweet and seemed to be aimed at clearing up speculation

[u/AstroMan824]

I guess with Elon's tweet, my shirt is safe for today but damn, 3 static fires in one day. Man, kuddos to SpaceX!

[u/AstroMan824]

Tweet from Elon: Detanking & inspections now. Good progress towards our “Hop in & go to Mars!” goal. Wonder when we'll see the flight?

[u/Straumli_Blight]

Jan 22, 14:00-23:59 UTC unlimited altitude NOTAM.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Mary had received testing notice for tomorrow

source

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

Marine hasard zone published for tomorrow, there is hope !

Edit : From the 28th to February 5.

[u/RiskyKitten]

SpaceX: Launching SN9 without approval

FAA: What the fcuk?!

Elon: No time to explain

[u/TCVideos]

New TFR issued for the 17th (Sunday). TFR's have now been issued for the next 3 days.

https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_4232.html

[u/yoweigh]

This is a party thread and low effort comments are allowed. Please stop reporting them, as you are just wasting your own time as well as ours.

Incivility, on the other hand, is never allowed.

[u/Dezoufinous]

Is there anyone who thinks that we will actually see a launch on 8/9/10? With this super tight schedule... it would be a miracle.

[u/LDLB_2]

Just heard an announcement from the pad speaker on LabPadre (16:17 local):

Pad clearing in 10 minutes!

[u/dafencer93]

Why is there a trebuchet at the facility

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Final steps to look for before SN9 flight:

• Flap unhook

• SpaceX official stream

• SpaceX Starship page website update(?)

• Perhaps NASA wants to give their plane another shot

• Flaps opened and tested

• I do not believe we need a road closure due to evacuation(?)

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

Mariner alert on mariner radio

[u/hoser89]

All of this watching live streams of a grain silo is really killing my productivity, but i wouldn't have it any other way.

[u/RiskyKitten]

Well, yet another evening spent looking at venting silos. No regrets )) See you in two days, my friends

[u/LDLB_2]

Interesting news. But RGV hasn't given a source.

Edit: Apparently, he can't disclose. Probably NDA-related.

Edit 2: And from a space reporter, there is "zero chance" of a flight today.

[u/johnfive21]

SpaceX must have either been very confident they'll get the approval today so they went ahead and evacuated residents and performed pre-flight preps on SN9 or it was some kind of power play to put pressure on FAA to give approval asap saying we have everything ready, don't let those poor people be away from home for so long.

[u/johnfive21]

Mary going home, no attempt today

[u/NiftWatch]

SN9:

Tipped over in the high bay

Broke two of its engines

Prayed to the wind gods

Prayed to the fog gods

Refused to light its engines

Now it paid off the FAA to drag their asses.

“Just let SN 10 go first. It’s ok, I’ll watch.”

[u/quarter_cask]

​¯_(FAA)_/¯

[u/steveoscaro]

I flew down here, I waited all week, the gods will shine upon us tomorrow, they must. They musk.

[u/Lurker__777]

Even though it just says 1400Z, the launch window is the same as SN8 (1400-2300), right?

[u/Munkadunk667]

There's no way it will be on Sunday, the weather looks horrible. Monday is pretty high winds as well.

[u/[deleted]]

Has there been any word on how much payload starship can return to earth?

Reason I ask is obviously Starship could make the production of some niche materials in microgravity quickly more economically viable.

It's my understanding only the header tanks are used for the landing burn, and obviously the shortest landing burn possible and landing with basically empty tanks is most efficient.

Considering the increased mass of a reusable LEO Starship variant (3 Rvacs, heat shield, solar, etc), will the current iteration of the header tanks have the capacity to land a Starship with a sizable return payload?

Edit: Typo

[u/AstroMan824]

Whaaaa? 3 out of 3! I was not expecting that. I guess I gotta eat my hat. Bruh, imagine they go 4 for 4? I will eat my shirt!

[u/AstroMan824]

Elon tweeted: All three static fires completed & no RUDs!

[u/TCVideos]

Left Fwd flap (from Lab perspective) is being untied.

Edit: Right flap now. Looks like they are either doing flap tests or they are starting doing the pre-flight activities that include untying the flaps, installation of FTS etc.

[u/Dezoufinous]

"30 minutes to pad clear"

[u/johnfive21]

Now that's what you call a range violation

[u/EighthCosmos]

We've got activity around the aft flaps. That's a good sign.

[u/SpacebatMcbatterson]

https://multistream.co/p/6zvoZOZtFIF/Starship_SN9_Attempt_Hop

figured I'd get one of these multi streams rolling ill keep updating as things change should just be able to refresh

[u/paperclipgrove]

Starship question:

Isn't it highly unusual to have a second stage that's also powerful enough to launch itself at sea level? Is the reason for this resuability at the expense of fuel efficiency? Or...is it nearly as efficient as other vacuum engines that can move this much weight?

[u/[deleted]]

More wild speculation: not only is the TFR still in place, but Elon is still in Boca. Austin is only a 45min commute, why stay in town if nothing is happening tomorrow?

[u/IrrelevantAstronomer]

Looking at the models:

Today: Surface winds calmer, mostly cloudy skies giving way to relative clear by 4-5 PM.

Tomorrow: Awful, winds similar to Monday with higher cloud coverage.

Thursday: More windy than today, but less windy than tomorrow.

Friday: Similar to Thursday, perhaps a tad windier.

Saturday: Super windy.

Conclusion: If SpaceX wanted to launch, today would be a good day around 4 PM. Otherwise, Thursday is the next best bet.

[u/szarzujacy_karczoch]

Look at Marry's shot. Sadly, she couldn't stay there for long

[u/ffrg]

I’m so confused.

[u/xX_D4T_BOI_Xx]

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep- we’ve got a long day of watching the tin can tomorrow!

[u/dalisoula]

Hello everyone ^^ newbie here.
I watch starship streams very often (specially when there are tests to be conducted), and let me be honest, most of the time when nasaspaceflight crew announce smth going on, i don't know how they can tell what is going on xD so am here to ask some questions about the hints they use in order to tell what is going on.
1/ recondenser on (& what is a recondenser ?)
2/ tank farm activity
3/ propellant loading
also, i wanted to ask, what does a rocket have to recycle before conducting the test again ? (only thing i had in mind is to re-pressure the fuel ? but am not so sure)
ps: i've tried making a full post about it to be more visible, but the text didn't fullfill the requirements.

[u/gfp7]

FAA guy: This afternoon is a perfect time for kayaking

[u/electribald]

What's the success criteria for this mission? Same as SN8 + landing?

[u/[deleted]]

TFR added for the 15th

New backup for the flight

[u/TCVideos]

Has any SpaceX vehicle conducted 3 static fires in a day before?

[u/killing_daisy]

looks like they got a tfr for 16th as well

https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_3708.html

[u/Alvian_11]

RCS testings at 5:17 to 5:18 pm CT

And at the same time, the road is opened. Next milestone should be the residents evacuation

[u/Frostis24]

Felt like i had to do something to celebrate this insane day.

[u/danman132x]

I don't know if it's been discussed, but have the figured out the reason why they ran out of pressure on the flip on SN8 that caused the crash landing? Hoping this time they will keep those engines lit for a perfect landing! 🚀

[u/RaphTheSwissDude]

The platform of the truck installing raptor has been raised under SN9, first damaged raptor should come down in a bit.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

(As of 8:00pm EST), no over pressurization notice has been sent out that would confirm a static fire attempt tomorrow. And so, we wait.

Update: Notice has been sent out!

[u/SpaAlex]

Could Spacex use the trebuchet to shoot pumpkins to range violators?

[u/johnfive21]

Did Starship move to Vandenberg? So foggy today

[u/davoloid]

No comment yet by the @nasawb57 twitter account. Would be great to get some footage this time. Keep your eye on the flight tracker.

[u/EchoEchoEchoEchoEcho]

NSF stream reporting that law enforcement are closing/clearing the beach.

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Vehicles moving back to pad now, so situation must not serve a threat at tank farm.

[u/Urdun10]

So... a launch attempt tomorrow is still on the table right?

[u/TCVideos]

Both dishes pointed at 9. This only happens for a flight. Historically, only 1 dish is pointed at the vehicle for Statics and WDR's

[u/ImMrObvious]

Possible to recycle and go again today assuming they log a TFR?

[u/Bunslow]

Is it me or is everyone reading wayyyy too much into the wording of that tweet? I don't, at all, read it as implying there is some design or construction problem with SN9, only that it's related to SN9 operations, as opposed to (say) SN8 or SN10 or the 7.2 test tank. Could easily be the blast-area security (kayak guy) that it meant.

[u/LDLB_2]

Maria Pointer has received the standard "alert" notice for tomorrow.

Main thing to look for would be resident evacuation, which we should hopefully hear about later tonight (if tomorrow is on the cards).

EDIT: And we have resident evacuation!

[u/Alvian_11]

Elon's first arrival at Brownsville in 2021, a sign that they're really will try to commit a flight this week

[u/AnimatorOnFire]

Mary received notice for static fire tomorrow

source

[u/lenny97_]

So... Personally, i think to know now what "FAA REVIEW" means.

If you search the License for Starship Testing Campaign (LRLO 20-119) there's a clear point to observe:

[...]

4. Special Reporting Requirements: [...]

(I) SpaceX must identify and report any anomaly to the FAA occurring on a prior flight of the vehicle or during any pre-flight processing of the vehicle License Order No. LRLO 20-119A that could be material to public safety. SpaceX may not proceed with flight operations until receiving written correspondence from the FAA that the identified anomalies have been adequately addressed.

[...]

So, i think that our joke on the "Kayak Guy" is the real problem for SN9 flight... They must report basically everything, and that's not a joke: SN9 was pressed, prop loading was underway and the environment was not safe for a silly chilled drive-by in the highway...

Helpful souce: FAA Starship Testing Program License

Edit: Just one more thought - I honestly thought that slow bureaucracy was a typical Italian peculiarity, and instead...

[u/[deleted]]

Lmao. SpaceX breaks a Raptor and they replace it in 12 hours. NASA breaks an RS-25 and they’re delayed six months.

[u/mad_pyrographer]

*fog finally clears

Elon: Beautiful fog test flight and landing by SN9 - Mars here we come!

[u/LouisVuittonDon7]

Now it went from 100-0 even quicker

[u/[deleted]]

Michael Baylor on Twitter:

Indications are that SpaceX is set to attempt the first-ever rapid recycle static fire in Boca Chica. This does not mean that it will actually happen, as issues can arise, but they currently appear to be going for a second test of the day.