yesterday, March 3, 2021, spaceX successfully completed the third altitude test of a starship prototype at its site in cameron county, texas. The Starship SN10 it was powered by ascent by three raptor engines (see image below), each shutting down in sequence before the vehicle reached its peak – approximately 10 km altitude. the SN10 spacecraft carried out a propellant transition to the main internal tanks, which maintain the landing propellant, before reorienting for reentry and a controlled aerodynamic descent.
The death of the SN10 spacecraft after landing is unfortunate, but still, everyone at SpaceX can consider today’s flight test a great success. Become a patron at the link below to download photos, behind-the-scenes goodies and more. @NASASpaceflight
➡️ https://t.co/h5jW6oXxkQ pic.twitter.com/H6OjBYCKb5
– Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) March 4, 2021
after the altitude test, the Starship SN10 The prototype descended under active aerodynamic control, which was achieved by the independent movement of two flaps forward and two backwards in the vehicle. all four flaps were triggered by an on-board flight computer that allowed for an accurate landing at the intended location that was followed by an explosion.
the explosion was due to a quick unscheduled disassembly shortly after landing. but even if the ship exploded, it represents an important milestone for spaceX that conducts these test flights in order to improve its understanding and development of a fully reusable transport system designed to transport crew and cargo on long-term interplanetary flights and help humanity continues to explore space.
project information:
Name: high altitude flight test SN10 spacecraft
company: spaceX
localization: cameron county, texas
juliana neira I designboom
March 4, 2021