{"id":24999,"date":"2021-05-09T17:25:16","date_gmt":"2021-05-09T09:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/following-starship-sn15s-success-spacex-evaluating-next-steps-toward-orbital-goals\/"},"modified":"2021-05-09T17:25:16","modified_gmt":"2021-05-09T09:25:16","slug":"following-starship-sn15s-success-spacex-evaluating-next-steps-toward-orbital-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/following-starship-sn15s-success-spacex-evaluating-next-steps-toward-orbital-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"Following Starship SN15\u2019s success, SpaceX evaluating next steps toward orbital goals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>SpaceX is considering numerous options for the upcoming Starship test schedule as the goal of reaching orbit by the summer becomes increasingly realistic.<\/p>\n<p>Following Starship SN15\u2019s successful test, options include reflying the vehicle to achieve key reusability objectives, launch SN16 to a higher altitude, or push straight through to orbital testing on Super Heavy.<\/p>\n<p>Starship SN15:<\/p>\n<p>Testing numerous modifications to the vehicle, Starship SN15 validated the improvements by conducting a smooth launch site campaign without the need to swap out a Raptor engine following its static fire tests.<\/p>\n<p>Once SN15 was pressed into the countdown, marked by the visible sign of the CH4 (Liquid Methane) condenser being turned on, the count proceeded smoothly without any obvious mini-holds observed during previous launches.<\/p>\n<p>Rising into a thick cloud layer under the power of Raptors SN54, SN61, and SN66 \u2013 along with some intermittent onboard views as a likely result of the thick clouds \u2013 most of the powered ascent was obscured from view.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Starship SN15 Test Flight &amp; Landing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BYSGlc6THJ8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid0\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The vehicle once again conducted the hover before then flipping to transition for the \u201cbellyflop\u201d return to the launch site, with another stable descent with good control via its aero surfaces. This element of flight has been one of the key successes per Starship\u2019s initial test objectives.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"widget-title penci-border-arrow\">See Also<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>SpaceX SN15 Updates<\/li>\n<li>SpaceX Super Heavy\/Starship Section<\/li>\n<li>L2 SpaceX Section<\/li>\n<li>Click here to Join L2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Per SpaceX\u2019s Jon Insprucker\u2019s pre-launch commentary,&nbsp; SN15 was expected to conduct a three-engine flip, followed by a single-engine landing. However, onboard views showed two engines relit for the flip, remaining on through to touchdown.<\/p>\n<p>Aerospace &amp; Defense<path d=\"M7.59009 18.59L9.00009 20L17.0001 12L9.00009 4L7.59009 5.41L14.1701 12\" style=\"animation: initial !important; background: initial !important; border: 0px !important; box-shadow: none !important; color: inherit !important; cursor: inherit !important; direction: inherit !important; display: inline !important; fill: currentcolor !important; filter: initial !important; float: none !important; margin: 0px !important; opacity: initial !important; outline: 0px !important; overflow: initial !important; padding: 0px !important; stroke: initial !important; transform: initial !important; vertical-align: initial !important; visibility: inherit !important;\"><\/path>Space Technology<path d=\"M7.59009 18.59L9.00009 20L17.0001 12L9.00009 4L7.59009 5.41L14.1701 12\" style=\"animation: initial !important; background: initial !important; border: 0px !important; box-shadow: none !important; color: inherit !important; cursor: inherit !important; direction: inherit !important; display: inline !important; fill: currentcolor !important; filter: initial !important; float: none !important; margin: 0px !important; opacity: initial !important; outline: 0px !important; overflow: initial !important; padding: 0px !important; stroke: initial !important; transform: initial !important; vertical-align: initial !important; visibility: inherit !important;\"><\/path>Space Shuttle<path d=\"M7.59009 18.59L9.00009 20L17.0001 12L9.00009 4L7.59009 5.41L14.1701 12\" style=\"animation: initial !important; background: initial !important; border: 0px !important; box-shadow: none !important; color: inherit !important; cursor: inherit !important; direction: inherit !important; display: inline !important; fill: currentcolor !important; filter: initial !important; float: none !important; margin: 0px !important; opacity: initial !important; outline: 0px !important; overflow: initial !important; padding: 0px !important; stroke: initial !important; transform: initial !important; vertical-align: initial !important; visibility: inherit !important;\"><\/path>\n<p>     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n<p>No official reason has been provided, although Starship\u2019s flight computer does hold the option to alter the engine ignition sequence. In addition, it has been suggested that one engine may have suffered an issue during ascent, resulting in SN15 opting not to select that engine for the relight ahead of landing.<\/p>\n<p>SpaceX Chief Designer Elon Musk had previously referred to an option-based selection process, specifically on the point of redundancy. For example, Starship can relight all three engines, then immediately deselect the engine with the least lever arm as a way of ensuring the maneuver is completed.<\/p>\n<p>Pending official information, the end result will be considered a bonus based on SN15 ultimately succeeding with the flip and landing via the two selected engines.<\/p>\n<p>Although there was also a small fire near the aft of the vehicle post-landing, pad fire suppression hoses successfully put out the flames as the vehicle conducted safing operations, as observed via the well-known double depress vent.<\/p>\n<p>Now, with SN15 secured on the landing pad, SpaceX engineers will be able to fully examine a flown Starship, which will provide valuable data for the test program.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Starship SN15 Still Sits on the Landing Pad | SpaceX Boca Chica\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0vq0qF3bwbg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid1\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>It was considered as likely, based on the numerous Starships waiting in the wings, that SN15 would be retired to become a lawn ornament at SpaceX Starbase, or even scrapped, as seen with the 150-meter hop twins, SN5 and SN6.<\/p>\n<p>Then Musk tweeted a potential plan to refly SN15.&nbsp; His use of \u201cmight\u201d also provided clues into SpaceX\u2019s often fluid plans involving Starship testing.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-1\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;dnt=true&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1390569345361883136&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasaspaceflight.com%2F2021%2F05%2Fsn15s-success-spacex-next-steps-orbital-goals%2F&amp;sessionId=aec8c614e53a09bc168f93a63ea5a6b74bf9e8bf&amp;siteScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&amp;width=550px\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\" data-tweet-id=\"1390569345361883136\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\" data-twitter-extracted-i1783497300976170147=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Might try to refly SN15 soon<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 7, 2021<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>If the option is taken, reflying SN15 will achieve another required milestone for Starship testing, given this is one of the vehicle\u2019s unique selling points. Eventually, Starship will become rapidly reusable, with the ability to relaunch the same day as landing.<\/p>\n<p>Also, during SpaceX\u2019s pre-launch coverage of Falcon 9 B1051-10\u2019s Starlink mission, an overview of SN15\u2019s flight was provided along with the words \u201cstay tuned for additional test flights in the days ahead\u201d \u2013 as much as that could be just a case of generic wording.<\/p>\n<p>Starship SN16 and SN17:<\/p>\n<p>Over at the Production Site, Starship SN16 has continued to be prepared inside the High Bay.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Starship SN16 Moves in the High Bay | SpaceX Boca Chica\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mXKq9IqpPrQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid2\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Following the mating of its nosecone, all of its aero surfaces have now been installed, technically ready to make the roll down Highway 4 to the launch site.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77721\" class=\"wp-image-77721 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-622x350.jpg 622w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/E01fAAEUUAcOY6G-1170x658.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-77721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Latest overview via @_brendan_lewis on Starship\/Super Heavy Section Status.<\/p>\n<p>Numerous options are on the table, ranging from delaying SN16\u2019s campaign until after SN15 reflies, through tasking SN16 with a higher altitude target of 20 km, through to simply not flying the vehicle per a potential acceleration of moving to the orbital-class vehicles.<br \/>\nNotably, SN16 was moved deeper into the High Bay on Saturday, likely to make room for the stacking operations of the next Super Heavy prototype that will be required for the orbital tests.<\/p>\n<p>The latter option would also impact SN17, which currently has its sections prepared for stacking operations \u2013 with the SN17 mid-LOX section recently staged outside the Mid Bay after pre-stacking work.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-2\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;dnt=true&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-2&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1391024071316545539&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasaspaceflight.com%2F2021%2F05%2Fsn15s-success-spacex-next-steps-orbital-goals%2F&amp;sessionId=aec8c614e53a09bc168f93a63ea5a6b74bf9e8bf&amp;siteScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&amp;width=550px\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\" data-tweet-id=\"1391024071316545539\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\" data-twitter-extracted-i1783497300976170147=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This morning Starship SN17 mid-LOX section is outside waiting to be stacked at the SpaceX Production site. <img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83e\udd29\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f929.svg\"><img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83d\ude80\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f680.svg\">@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com\/qklSdG5V4u<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Mary (@BocaChicaGal) May 8, 2021<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>While opting against flying at least a few more Starship hops before orbital attempts may seem unpalatable to some observers, there is evidence of SpaceX being highly focused on pushing to orbit.<\/p>\n<p>Orbital Starship:<\/p>\n<p>As previously reported by NASASpaceflight.com \u2013 and confirmed as \u201cThat\u2019s our goal\u201d by Musk on Twitter, the first orbital flight was cited in documentation as launching \u201cwith a goal to get to orbit by July 1\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>That documentation noted it would involve Starship SN20 on Super Heavy BN3.<\/p>\n<p>Starship SN20 is already being assembled. It will be a key watch item to see how many TPS (Thermal Protection System) tiles they will receive \u2013 as will be required on the windward side of the vehicle to cope with the heat of re-entry.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-77719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-21-45-06-567.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1183\" height=\"664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-21-45-06-567.jpg 1183w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-21-45-06-567-350x196.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-21-45-06-567-624x350.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-21-45-06-567-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-21-45-06-567-1170x657.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1183px) 100vw, 1183px\">However, as with Super Heavy BN3, the aforementioned fluid nature of SpaceX\u2019s Starship planning could alter which vehicle takes the leap to orbit.<\/p>\n<p>BN3 sections have already been spotted by Mary (@bocachicagal), along with BN2 and even BN2.1 sections, which may likely involve a Super Heavy \u2013 and\/or Test Tank \u2013 for ground testing to pave the way for BN3\u2019s launch.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Super Heavy Launch Site and BN3 Taking Shape | SpaceX Boca Chica\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ADOYBEC2DXw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid3\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Orbital Launch Site:<\/p>\n<p>While vehicle hardware is being staged at the Production Site, the ever-changing skyline down Highway 4 at the Launch Site visually portrays SpaceX\u2019s orbital aspirations.<\/p>\n<p>A huge amount of work continues to occur next door to Starship\u2019s current home, with the Orbital Launch Site (OLS) working on the installation of GSE (Ground Support Equipment) and the huge Launch Integration Tower.<\/p>\n<p>The tower will be the tallest structure in the area when complete, with the base and opening section already constructed while additional sections are being fabricated ahead of rolling to the OLS for installation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Integration Tower Ready to Grow Taller | SpaceX Boca Chica\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mN3X-pHRTmk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid4\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>It has been speculated that any potential leap from SN15 to the orbital attempt would have added benefits of mitigating disruption to the OLS construction efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Numerous pieces of the Super Heavy pad still need to be assembled in-situ, with the launch table currently at the production site, along with additional GSE that will be required to cater for the thirsty Super Heavy booster.<\/p>\n<p>The Launch Tower will also sport a crane for mating Starship atop Super Heavy and eventually large mechanical arms that will \u201ccatch\u201d the booster when it returns to the launch site.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-3\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;dnt=true&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-3&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1388948298040496130&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasaspaceflight.com%2F2021%2F05%2Fsn15s-success-spacex-next-steps-orbital-goals%2F&amp;sessionId=aec8c614e53a09bc168f93a63ea5a6b74bf9e8bf&amp;siteScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&amp;width=550px\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\" data-tweet-id=\"1388948298040496130\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\" data-twitter-extracted-i1783497300976170147=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Starbase, TX.<\/p>\n<p>Powered by @Spaceport3D! pic.twitter.com\/NZcJZZPl6J<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Erc X (@ErcXspace) May 2, 2021<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The latter is not expected to occur during the first few flights, likely resulting in SpaceX undertaking the path it used during the first Falcon 9 booster landings, with a soft touchdown on water.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Repairing SpaceX's Corrupted Falcon 9 Landing Video\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/r4anK4RGVQ0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid5\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Raptor Supply:<\/p>\n<p>A major bonus of SN15\u2019s safe landing was the recovery of the three Raptors it flew with. They will provide priceless post-flight data on performance in tandem with the information beamed back to launch control via live telemetry.<\/p>\n<p>However, it can\u2019t be understated how valuable hands-on examination of the engines will be for the test program, along with the allowance for potentially reusing them on future flights.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"twitter-widget-4\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" class=\"\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;\" title=\"X Post\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/embed\/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;dnt=true&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-4&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1390744478936354818&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasaspaceflight.com%2F2021%2F05%2Fsn15s-success-spacex-next-steps-orbital-goals%2F&amp;sessionId=aec8c614e53a09bc168f93a63ea5a6b74bf9e8bf&amp;siteScreenName=NASASpaceflight&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&amp;width=550px\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-14=\"true\" data-gtm-yt-inspected-21=\"true\" data-tweet-id=\"1390744478936354818\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\" data-twitter-extracted-i1783497300976170147=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Starship SN15 at sunset yesterday. @NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com\/ht3OXEY7jp<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) May 7, 2021<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Regardless, SpaceX\u2019s Starship program will require a huge supply of engines, not least the Super Heavy boosters, each of which will require a stock of 28 engines per booster.<\/p>\n<p>Although production status at Hawthorne in California is unknown, test capability at SpaceX McGregor is being expanded.<\/p>\n<p>SpaceX tests Raptors in two horizontal test bays while the converted tripod stand caters for vertical test firings. In addition, McGregor recently started construction of a new test stand next to the horizontal stand. In typical SpaceX fashion, this new dual-bay stand has been all but completed in a matter of weeks.<\/p>\n<p>Via NSF\u2019s Gary Blair in the L2 McGregor section, a local who flies past the test site at around 3,000 feet AGL, a Raptor has already been seen in one of the bays on the new stand, likely for fit checks.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-77720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1483\" height=\"910\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked.jpg 1483w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked-350x215.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked-570x350.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked-180x110.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked-768x471.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-19-56-44-891-watermarked-1170x718.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1483px) 100vw, 1483px\">The current horizontal stand has already seen at least two Vacuum optimized Raptors tested, which also shows how far in advance SpaceX has been moving to lay the path for taking Starship on orbital missions.<\/p>\n<p>The only question is schedule planning, which can change almost by the day. However, with SN15 achieving the latest milestone, SpaceX\u2019s \u201cTest, Fly, Fail, Fix, Fly\u201d approach is clearly working and continues to be fascinating to follow.<\/p>\n<p>For live updates, follow NASASpaceFlight\u2019s Twitter account and the NSF Starship Forum Sections.<\/p>\n<p>**Support NSF\u2019s youtube channel by subscribing and\/or joining here**<\/p>\n<p>Grab some cool gear along with the ability to support our content: https:\/\/shop.nasaspaceflight.com\/<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-77727 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-22-12-27-138.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1040\" height=\"930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-22-12-27-138.jpg 1040w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-22-12-27-138-350x313.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-22-12-27-138-391x350.jpg 391w, https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NSF-2021-05-09-22-12-27-138-768x687.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SpaceX is considering numerous options for the upcoming Starship test schedule as the goal of reaching orbit by the summer becomes increasingly realistic. Following Starship SN15\u2019s successful test, options include reflying the vehicle to achieve key reusability objectives, launch SN16 to a higher altitude, or push straight through to orbital testing on Super Heavy. Starship [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1648,8642,8574,8673,8686,8682,316,739,317,596],"class_list":["post-24999","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-boca-chica","tag-ols","tag-sn15","tag-sn16","tag-sn17","tag-sn20","tag-spacex","tag-starbase","tag-starship","tag-super-heavy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24999"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24999"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24999\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}