Elon Musk tweeted that they are aiming for 4 weeks til the first launch of the Starhopper. This would put the first test launch in February. Previously SpaceX was talking about March or April, which already 6 months ahead of estimates from early 2018.
SpaceX has joined the first top nose cone with the middle section. They are also applying the shiny covering to the bottom section.
It looks like we are only a few days from an assembled and completely shiny Starhopper.
There could still be internal work and other preparations.
The rocket is coming together nicely but the new launch pad still has a lot of work. However, they could flatten out a section and get a cement pad down pretty quickly.
Aiming for 4 weeks, which probably means 8 weeks, due to unforeseen issues
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 5, 2019
@John_Gardi @austinbarnard45 The join is looking finished! Photo by BocaChicaGal pic.twitter.com/bsm9gpQvrU
— Roger Holt (@RogerLewisHolt) January 5, 2019
BocaChicaGal pic this morning:
Shiny layer going on the bottom.#spacex #BocaChicaTEXAS #starship #starhopper pic.twitter.com/ujm68W4f6J— Davis (@Davis_404) January 5, 2019
Starship test vehicle under assembly will look similar to this illustration when finished. Operational Starships would obv have windows, etc. pic.twitter.com/D8AJ01mjyR
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 5, 2019
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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It will be spectacular when it blows up (or crashes). I’m calling it.
In the tradition of Musk launching gag gifts and novelty toys, I’m sure he can sell certain adult themed novelty gag gifts at a premium…
It actually looks a little steampunk, with all the imperfections stainless is bound to exaggerate. And a bit of Googie style influence.
We are preparing to ride heavenward, shiny and chrome!