Starship | SN10 | High-Altitude Flight Test
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Published 2021-03-03
Similar to the high-altitude flight tests of Starship SN8 and SN9, SN10 was powered through ascent by three Raptor engines, each shutting down in sequence prior to the vehicle reaching apogee – approximately 10 km in altitude. SN10 performed a propellant transition to the internal header tanks, which hold landing propellant, before reorienting itself for reentry and a controlled aerodynamic descent.
The Starship prototype descended under active aerodynamic control, accomplished by independent movement of two forward and two aft flaps on the vehicle. All four flaps were actuated by an onboard flight computer to control Starship’s attitude during flight and enabled a precise landing at the intended location. SN10’s Raptor engines reignited as the vehicle performed the landing flip maneuver immediately before successfully touching down on the landing pad!
As if the flight test was not exciting enough, SN10 experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly shortly after landing. These test flights are all about improving our understanding and development of a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo on long-duration interplanetary flights, and help humanity return to the Moon, and travel to Mars and beyond.
All Comments (21)
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It looks like CGI, so incredible it’s hard to believe it’s real.
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We just witnessed history being made. Amazing.
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Never gets old; so impressive it's unbelievable.
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It's amazing the level of technical achievement humans are capable of.
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The camera angle at 11:45 is the coolest shit I've ever seen.
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Can’t wait till we unlock that Mars expansion pack dlc
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i never thought i would see something as mind blowing as that landing in my lifetime.
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After seeing all the crashes, this was so satisfying to watch.
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The landing shot from underneath is so Hollywood perfect, it’s absolutely surreal.
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I'll never tire of re-watching these.
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The camera is soo smoooth it feels like a clip from a videogame! Amazing!! I really hope we will see the full orbit test flight on monday april 17!!
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11:42 is one of the most spectacular camera angles I've seen in 50+ years of watching space shots.
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That flip was something else. Makes me excited for the future
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That's a real spaceship that can take off and land and go where ever it wants and I'm still alive.
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Congratulations on the success on the test. SpaceX is making history.
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The raptor's purple flame and the steel reflecting the pink faded ambient lighting is just gorgeous.. SN10 is a legend
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Everyone: SN10, Do you want to land, or explode? SN10: Yes
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It looks something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
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I cannot wait to see this completed. Seriously the most amazing thing I have seen.
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What a wild ride! Incredible.
