Starship SN15 - the latest prototype of SpaceX's super-heavy class launch vehicle - rolled out to the launch pad on 8 April, incorporating lessons learned during previous flight tests, including hundreds of improvements to structures, engines and avionics. SN12-14 were never completed and their components were scrapped in favour of accelerating this block upgrade. SN15 completed a cryogenic proof test, a process in which liquid nitrogen is loaded to validate the vehicles ability to hold flight pressures, on 12 April. During this test, hydraulic rams were used to simulate thrust, testing the revised thrust structure design. A second test was conducted the next day, likely testing the integrity of the vehicles header tanks - small tanks used to hold propellant for landing and to balance the centre of mass during aerodynamic descent.
展开▼
