SpaceX tested the flaps of the next Starship prototype, the Serial Number 11 (SN11). When the footage of all four front and aft flaps was run through time-lapse, it looked like the spring equinox dance to some, including me.
SpaceX Boca Chica observers Trevor Mahlman and Mary from NasaSpaceFlight.com recorded the grand happening of the SN11 flap actuation test and edited the video for a time-lapse viewing experience. Trevor even added some background dance music to make it much more interesting to watch.
sn11 did a spring equinox dance today
—@elonmusk pic.twitter.com/wIc3cCIt80 Trevor Mahlmann (@TrevorMahlmann) March 21, 2021
It has been more than 10 days since the Starship SN11 prototype headed to the Boca Chica launchpad, many tests and improvements are underway. In the following photos, SpaceX engineers are seen lowering down each landing leg of the SN11 prototype and testing it.
According to Elon Musk, one of the reasons for SN10 explosion was the crashing of legs on landing.
Just prior to SN11 being placed onto the launch mount, SpaceX employees lowered down each and every landing leg. Testing them, so unlike during the SN10 flight; they will hopefully deploy properly this time. pic.twitter.com/LJVl6zpnmo
— Austin Barnard(@austinbarnard45) March 9, 2021
Yesterday…around 10 am or so… this is what it felt like to watch SN11 head to launchpad. A hot, dusty, noisy, but also exciting surreal thing next to a nature preserve! Wish everyone
— Gail-Doge in Texas (@gailalfa1) March 9, 2021was there w me but I took this video for anyone who would have wanted to be here pic.twitter.com/HDwRdP0cVw
Four NASA astronauts also visited the SpaceX Boca Chica to take a look at the Starship SN11. These astronauts are linked to the NASA Artemis Program that aims to land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024.
To add some fun to all the Starship stuff, observer Gail Alfar shared a photo she took of SN11 and inserted a DOGE icon to the dome of the spaceship prototype.
Starship SN11 static fire tests are scheduled for tomorrow (Monday 22nd March) and if all goes well, the high-altitude test can happen as soon as Tuesday 23rd March. Otherwise, the most probable date for SN11 high-altitude test is Wednesday 24 March (see below for the public notice issued by Cameron County for the temporary closure of state highway 4 dates and times).
Related: SpaceX performs static fire test on Starship SN11, high-altitude test as soon as tomorrow
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