The SN8 prototype will attempt to launch 12.5km into the air before landing back on Earth, though SpaceX boss Elon Musk said it is unlikely to succeed. The technology billionaire said the test is a key milestone towards achieving human space travel to Mars within the next few years.
Road closures and FAA clearance in the area and airspace surrounding SpaceX’s facility in Cameron County, Texas, were in place for Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s launch was scrubbed at the last second due to engine issues, though an exact launch time for Wednesday is yet to be announced.
A live stream of the event will be broadcast on SpaceX’s official YouTube channel, which is shared below.
Follow all the latest updates here.
Here’s how Starship currently looks, as captured moments ago by a distant camera operated by NasaSpaceFlight.
(NasaSpaceFlight)
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 20:33
Be warned, the live stream countdown yesterday was reset twice before finally going live.
However, once it was live the countdown for liftoff was already at T-minus 10 minutes.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 20:16
SpaceX’s stream has been added to this page, you’ll see it if you scroll up.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 20:12
BREAKING: SpaceX’s stream will be going live in 50 minutes.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 20:10
We’re not going to see a 2pm test but more venting from Starship SN8 means we’re still seeing progress towards an attempt.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 20:01
Just over 10 mins to go until 2pm local time. Still no sign of a live stream from SpaceX.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 19:50
There is some venting happening. Steam is bellowing around the launchpad.
A very positive sign that SpaceX is aiming for the test flight today.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 19:38
Yesterday’s failed attempt was the latest in a series of delays pushing back this test. It was first pegged for the end of November but has faced numerous problems.
Partly to blame might be Musk’s relentlessly ambitious deadlines, which he has become famous for in recent years. Last week, he said he hoped to see the first humans travel to Mars aboard Starship in just four years.
We may be less than an hour away from this historic test finally being realised. While we wait, you can read about Musk’s Mars plans here.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 19:27
Judging by trends leading up to the launch attempt yesterday, we could be about an hour away from the test taking place.
But while movement around the launchpad suggests the launch could happen as early as 2pm local time, Nasa’s reconnaissance plane is not yet in the air, meaning it could take place as late as 3.30pm.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 18:59
You could maybe argue that his cowboy hat emoji is vaguely related to Starship.
The Wall Street Journal revealed today that Elon Musk is moving to Texas. It follows his announcement earlier this year that Starship was now SpaceX’s top priority, as he seeks to achieve his goal of travelling to Mars in his lifetime.
“The two biggest things that I got going on right now are the Starship development in South Texas… and then the big new US factory for Tesla,” Musk said.
Anthony Cuthbertson9 December 2020 18:54
