The SpaceX Starhopper is on a cement launch pad. Elon Musk has indicated the Raptor engine delivery and installation will start next week. SpaceX will one or three engines and begin hop tests. It is clear that SpaceX will start tests before adding a new nose cone is placed onto the Starhopper.
SpaceX is talking about very low tethered hops as a start.
#StarHopper's test pad area, aka 'The Big Dirt Pile' #SouthTEXAS #RGV
1 Jan 2017
2 three months ago
3 yesterday📷 credits: @spi_life, @WalkaboutLife & @SpacePadreIsle pic.twitter.com/KrXCzIWDGH
— Cowboy Dan (@CowboyDanPaasch) March 12, 2019
Raptor on way to Hopper. Will be mounted to vehicle next week.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 8, 2019
SOURCES- Elon Musk, Twitter, Cowboy Dan Twitter
Written By Brian Wang