Starship SN10\u2019s wait for launch, following weather-related delays, could soon be over following an optimistic update from Chief Designer Elon Musk. However, following SN10\u2019s Static Fire test \u2013 which was conducted on Tuesday \u2013 a record turnaround of an engine swap was conducted, allowing for a second test on Thursday and a launch to be placed early next week.<\/p>\n
Over at the Production Site, SN11 and SN15 are being stacked, all while the first Super Heavy (BN1) continues build-up in the High Bay.\n<\/p>\n
Starship SN10:<\/p>\n
SN10 has been sat patiently on Pad A for some time now, rolling out down Highway 4 ahead of SN9\u2019s launch, in turn marking the first time two Starships had been out at the launch site at the same time. SN10 was pressing towards its own launch soon after SN9\u2019s debris had been cleared from the landing pad before Texas was hit by severe weather.<\/p>\n
Impacts past the obvious included SpaceX working alongside local officials to save Sea Turtles that were dying due to the cold weather. This included avoiding road closures required for conducting major milestones such as the Static Fire Test.<\/p>\n
Although work never ceased at SpaceX\u2019s Boca Chica site, the improving weather over the weekend saw an increase in activity around SN10, including testing the aft flaps \u2013 albeit deployed via the leg power of a SpaceX worker on the mount.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, a Mary (@bocachicagal) photo of the aft flap work prompted Elon Musk to note that a launch could occur as early as this coming week.<\/p>\n