SpaceX appears to be set for a double-header tomorrow for rocket launches. The company’s Falcon 9 booster is set to launch 60 Starlink Satellites on Tuesday, while also on deck is a test flight attempt of the company’s Starship SN15 prototype.
On Tuesday, a marine safety information bulletin was issued, as SpaceX told the U.S. Coast Guard there would be a launch from its facility near Boca Chica Beach, south of Brownsville, Texas.
“During the hours of 11am through 9pm, May 4, 2021 through May 6, 2021, a hazard area will exist in the vicinity of the SpaceX facility,” reads the marine safety bulletin.
A marine safety information bulletin has been issued ahead of tomorrow's (5/4) SN15 launch attempt. pic.twitter.com/R63ZmiTAPF
— SpaceX Updates – Boca Chica (@op_boca) May 3, 2021
Back on March 30, SpaceX tested its Starship SN11 prototype for high altitude flight, which lifted off successfully, but ended in a fiery explosion amidst foggy weather.
With each Starship prototype test flight, SpaceX gains valuable data to build and improve upon its next versions.
SN15 rolls to launch pad in a few days. It has hundreds of design improvements across structures, avionics/software & engine.
Hopefully, one of those improvements covers this problem. If not, then retrofit will add a few more days.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 30, 2021
Elon Musk said after the SN11 test, “SN15 rolls to launch pad in a few days. It has hundreds of design improvements across structures, avionics/software & engine,” adding, “hopefully, one of those improvements covers this problem. If not, then retrofit will add a few more days.”
Update May 4, 2021: The SN15 test flight has been scrubbed.
No evacuation needed as it’s a scrub for Starship SN15 launch today. #WenHop continues! 🔥🚀🔥@NASASpaceflight
— Mary (@BocaChicaGal) May 4, 2021
