In a few days Starship will rise to 150 m. First, however, engine test

Starship’s fifth full-size prototype may become the first to float in a few days. It all depends on whether the upcoming Raptor engine test will run without any anomalies.

Currently, the SpaceX engineering team is completing the Raptor SN27 engine installation process on the latest Starship prototype, SN5. Over the next few days, the first cryogenic test will be carried out, followed by a static engine test.

The already delayed static test of the Raptor installed on the SN5 prototype is scheduled for 17:00 Polish time on Monday.

Preparations for Starship’s first bounce

Information on planned traffic restrictions on Cameron County roads indicates that if Starship’s static tests are successful, then between July 13 and July 15, Starship’s first 150m flight is planned. The start windows are open each of these three days from 8 to 17 local time (15-24 Polish time).

New road closures in Boca Chica! Starship SN5 static fire testing starts July 10. Then, the notice starting July 13 through July 15 says SN5 150 meter launch! Surely too soon? Windows are daily from 8 am to 5 pm local. https://t.co/6u2msVb0b8 pic.twitter.com/2T3c89FS6i

– Michael Baylor (@nextspaceflight) July 7, 2020

Will or will not be – that is the question

Of course, there is a good chance that the stroke date and even the static test date will be shifted. The latter has already been postponed twice. Just like in the case of Starhopper, which was the only one so far to the air with the help of the Raptor engine (below), the Starship onboard computer will also be able to interrupt the start procedure at any time before the start.

Just like the Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rockets, Starship will collect and analyze hundreds or thousands of telemetry data channels to check that the engine is operating properly during thrust. If everything goes according to plan, the rocket will issue a command to release the clamps and rise into the air.

Where will Starship land when it launches?

This is probably the biggest unknown. During the first test flight of full-size Starship we will have the opportunity to see a completely new set of brackets on which the rocket will land. In contrast to the proven four brackets known from Falcon 9, Starship’s short "legs" are hidden inside the engine cover and unfold from the inside out just before landing. Photos of the chassis indicate that it may be equipped with a shock absorption mechanism, which may mean that Starship will be able to withstand slightly harder landings.

Starship chassis with visible brackets

Regardless of the planned SN5 test, SpaceX will have a lot of work to do in the coming week. There are plans currently: the SN5 static test on July 13, the start of the Starlink-9 mission scheduled for July 14, the lifting of ANASIS II salinity and the potential SN5 jump, perhaps as early as July 16. However, we keep our finger on the pulse and we will keep you informed about the progress of work.

In a few days Starship will rise to 150 m. First, however, engine test

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