TFR Suggests That Another Test 'Hop' Is Likely

The very rudimentary test vehicle designed to prove some of the capabilities of SpaceX's next generation rocket system may be trying for a little more altitude this weekend.

Known as "Starhopper', the vehicle is but a small part of what eventually be a major space transport system... with other versions already under construction in Texas and Florida. Elon Musk hopes to see the vehicle in service as early as 2021.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has mentioned that the test vehicle will attempt to reach an altitude of 650 feet and return under power, much like the capabilities already demonstrated by a large number of Falcon 9 first stages over the past few years.

Starhopper made at least one known test hop, July 25th, to a height of some 65 feet.

The FAA has published a TFR that starts Friday, and ends this Sunday. So, besides the legal reasons for not violating the TFR, one would probably be wise to avoid the area until the TFR is shut down... and likewise for the rocket.

Confidence appears high, with Musk noting via Twitter that, “Just spoke with FAA, so hopefully yes...” in response to questions about the vehicle's flight status.

The Starhopper test vehicle, unlike the full-blown system, will only be powered by a single Raptor engine and will be flown from SpaceX’s Boca Chica, TX, test site.

FMI: www.spacex.com, https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_9032.html