Starship SN11; Image Credit: Trevor Mahlmann via tmahlmann.com
It appears SpaceX is ready to send its Starship SN11 prototype for a 10km test flight, on Friday, March 26, 2021.
The news comes as local residents in the area received notices of a temporary closure of Boca Chica Beach and State Highway 4, for Friday, March 26.
According @BocaChicaGal, she noted on Thursday evening, “I have received an “Alert” notice and a road closure has been scheduled from 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 26. According to the Cameron county the closure is for engine testing (static fire) and 10km flight.”
The accompanying letter details an order from Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr., which details the temporary closure of access to Boca Chica Beach, plus State Highway 4 from FM 1419 (Oklahoma Ave) to the entrance of the beach.
“I have ordered the closure of Boca Chica Beach and Hwy 4 for the purpose of protecting Public Health and Safety during SpaceX engine testing and 10km flight on March 26, 2021, in the time period between 7am CST to 7:30pm CST, of the same day,” reads the letter from Judge Trevino Jr., which says those looking to view the flight should stay a safe distance away from Boca Chica Beach.
I have received an “Alert” notice and a road closure has been scheduled from 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 26. According to the Cameron county the closure is for engine testing (static fire) and 10km flight. 🔥🚀🔥@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/b6GYAkcOkg
— Mary (@BocaChicaGal) March 26, 2021
SpaceX hasn’t confirmed the Starship SN11 static fire and 10km test flight for Friday yet on Twitter, but expect to hear something in the next 12 hours or so.
Elon Musk’s jet did just land in Texas, so get ready for a big Friday with SN11.
Landed near Brownsville, Texas, US. Apx. flt. time 2 Hours : 52 Mins. pic.twitter.com/OhiAw8Tsjo
— ElonJet (@ElonJet) March 26, 2021
On March 3, SpaceX tested its Starship SN10 prototype, which successfully launched and landed, however, did end up exploding a short time after.
Update March 26: SpaceX completed a successful static fire and now according to @BocaChicaGal, who has just been asked to leave the area, it looks like a Starship SN11 test flight will be happening today:
Starship SN11 static fire test has been completed. Data from test will be reviewed and hopefully we will see Starship SN11 fly today. 🤞🔥🚀🔥🤞@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/gN3NzYTaeH
— Mary (@BocaChicaGal) March 26, 2021
I have been officially asked to evacuate Boca Chica by noon today. It’s a Go for Starship SN11 flight attempt this afternoon. 🔥🚀🔥@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/NZurR6kyIU
— Mary (@BocaChicaGal) March 26, 2021
SpaceX has updated its website with Starship SN11 flight test information:
As early as Friday, March 26, the SpaceX team will attempt a high-altitude flight test of Starship serial number 11 (SN11) – our fourth high-altitude flight test of a Starship prototype from Starbase in Texas. Similar to previous high-altitude flight tests of Starship, SN11 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. SN11 will perform a propellant transition to the internal header tanks, which hold landing propellant, before reorienting itself for reentry and a controlled aerodynamic descent.
