SpaceX has launched a Starship spacecraft technology demonstrator from the Texas launch site in the village of Boca Chica. The device climbed 150 meters and landed in another part of the test site.
The Starship Demonstrator successfully jumped 150 meters. Recall that in July, the Starship SN5 device performed firing tests. Previously, only one of the prototypes, the SN4, passed this stage: however, it is worth noting that an explosion occurred during the repeated engine test.
As such, Starship SN5 has gone further than any other ship demonstrator. The success brings SpaceX closer to full-fledged Starship flight tests.
Starship takes flight pic.twitter.com/IWvwcA05hl
- SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 5, 2020
It should become the largest manned spacecraft in the world. The total length of the complex, including the Super Heavy accelerator, will be 118 meters. It is assumed that it will be able to put into LEO (low reference orbit) loads weighing up to 100 tons.
SpaceX believes that the capabilities of Starship will be useful, in particular, for manned flights to the Moon and Mars. In the future, the complex should replace the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles already put into operation, as well as the Dragon 2 spacecraft.