SpaceX is set to launch its latest prototype of the Starship rocket to the “edge of space” (which is actually just 8 miles up and probably better described as high altitude) from a Texas test facility this week. And it’s putting the takeoff online.
The SN8 test launch from the Boca Chica facility was authorized for as soon as Tuesday morning, but so far SpaceX hasn’t confirmed when it’ll happen.
On SpaceX’s YouTube livestream, which was supposed to start Tuesday morning, there’s a note: “Teams working through additional test prep. Liftoff time TBD.”
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Liftoff could be pushed to later Tuesday, or even Wednesday or Thursday, depending on conditions for the suborbital flight.
When the flight gets the go-ahead it’ll be shown on YouTube on SpaceX’s official stream. Streams from Space.com and other sites are also ready to show the test hop.
This is preparation for eventual flights to the moon and Mars. SpaceX noted that the launch will test how the three engines perform and whether the craft can do a landing flip maneuver.
While waiting, you can check out views of the launch pad on other unofficial YouTube streams, which show the Starship spacecraft waiting at the site.
On SpaceX’s social media channels, the last update about the test flight came on Monday with a retweet of CEO Elon Musk showing the launch site. Late Monday night, Musk tweeted: “Probably 1/3 chance of completing all mission objectives.”
An earlier prototype of the Starship, SN4, exploded during a test back in May.