yesterday, march 3 2021, spaceX successfully completed the third altitude test of a starship prototype at their site in cameron county, texas. the starship SN10 was powered through ascent by three raptor engines (see image below), each shutting down in sequence prior to the vehicle reaching apogee – approximately 10 km in altitude. starship SN10 performed a propellant transition to the internal header tanks, which hold landing propellant, before reorienting itself for reentry and a controlled aerodynamic descent.

 

 

 

following the altitude test, the starship SN10 prototype descended under active aerodynamic control which was achieved by independent movement of two forward and two aft flaps on the vehicle. all four flaps were actuated by an onboard flight computer that enabled a precise landing at the intended location which was followed by an explosion.

watch spaceX land the starship prototype for the first time — and how it explodes

 

 

the explosion was due to a rapid unscheduled disassembly shortly after landing. but even if the spaceship exploded, this marks an important milestone for spaceX who conducts these test flights in order to improve their understanding and development of a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo on long-duration interplanetary flights, and help humanity continue exploring space.

watch spaceX land the starship prototype for the first time — and how it explodes

watch spaceX land the starship prototype for the first time — and how it explodes

 

 

project info:

 

name: starship SN10 high-altitude flight test

company: spaceX

location: cameron county, texas