SN10 became the first completely -landed interstellar spacecraft prototype, the US space exploration technology company SpaceX has started to clean up the wreckage and is preparing to push SN11 to the launch pad.
Almost a month ago, SpaceX had already stacked SN11, the successor to SN10, to its maximum height. When SN10 was launched, SN11 was basically completed.
As the SpaceX team started to clean up the wreckage of the SN10 explosion, the company delivered a large crane to the launch site. Obviously, SpaceX is preparing for the fourth high-altitude launch and landing attempt of SN11. The goal this time is to keep the prototype intact after landing.
SpaceX chief integration engineer John Insprucker has also confirmed in the SN10 test live broadcast that SN11 is ready and can be put on the launch pad as soon as possible under safe conditions to continue the unfinished test of SN10.
On January 28, SN10 departed from SpaceX’s plant in Boca Chica, Texas, and was sent to a test and launch facility 1,600 meters away. It was launched only five weeks later. The fastest process of launch.
SN10 is the third prototype of an interplanetary spacecraft launched from Boca Chica one month after the test flight of SN9. SN9 was launched on February 2 that is two months after SN8’s flight. Before SN8, SpaceX only launched a miniature starship prototype without nose cones or wings.
If SpaceX follows a similar test flight schedule, SN11 may be ready for launch within a month or two. Of course, there are many factors that determine the next launch date. The company first needs to repair the damaged launch pad.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will also investigate the SN10 explosion that may take more time. Regulators investigated the explosions of SN8 and SN9 that delayed the launch of the latter in January.
(Via)
