Photo credit: Elon Musk
Elon Musk posted new images of SpaceX’s its space-bound orbital prototype to be used on the next-generation Starship spacecraft located on the Texas site. The images show the rotation of a large circular, dome-shaped bulkhead (30-feet in diameter) before its installation. As you can see, the bulkhead makes up the interior structure of Starship, dividing it into compartments.
Next Tuesday, SpaceX’s Starhopper prototype is set to make its first untethered test flight, powered by a special engine known as the Raptor engine. The craft will reach a maximum height of no more than 20 meters, and this test is the first of many designed to push the limits of the hopper. SpaceX also will conduct ground system checkouts and perform a short static fire test. The company is working with the city of Brownsville to establish a safety zone perimeter around the test site, and signs are expected to be posted to let the community know when testing is will begin. Read more for a video and additional information.