SN9 Starship Test Flight
SN9 test flight of Starship was delayed a few times, but fortunately it finally launched last week.
Spoiler – the flight ended much the same way that SN8 did – with a big, fiery explosion.
On 2/2/21, according to Twitter, Starship launch area was being cleared of vehicles. Launch anticipated for today and it happened! Starship SN9 launched.
On 1/26/21, Elon confirmed on Twitter that the FAA has reviewing the prospective test flight.
Starship launchpad update: on 1/19/21, SpaceX purchased two floating oil rigs which will become floating launchpads for Starship. The two launchpads have been called Deimos and Phobos, named after the two moons of Mars.
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SN9 UPDATE 1/14/21: Starship SN9 performed three static fire tests.
What is a “Static Fire”?
– A static fire is a planned system test that launch vehicles and ground support equipment undergo to verify that the rocket is ready for flight.
– During a static fire, the rocket’s engines briefly perform a test fire while staying bolted to the ground.
– The goal of a static fire test is to identify problems during the test, before the actual launch.
SN9 performed another static fire on January 6, 2020. A successful landing of SN9 would be a major milestone.
Delays of scheduled flights are common due to weather as well as the FAA regulations
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