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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

SpaceX's Starhopper has successfully completed a 150-meter test hop [nasaspaceflight.com]. Due to two orbital prototypes of Starship already nearing completion, Starhopper will not fly again, and will instead be converted into a vertical test stand for Raptor engine [wikipedia.org] static fire tests:

SpaceX's Starhopper test vehicle – after finally gaining the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permit for its highest hop yet – successfully carried out its test on Tuesday. The approval was required to pave the way for the 150 meter jump out of Boca Chica, Texas. Monday's attempt was scrubbed at T-0 due to an issue relating to the ignitor system on the SN6 Raptor, moving the next attempt to Tuesday which was successful.

[...] Currently, SpaceX has two full-scale prototypes nearing completion which are designated Starship Mk 1 and Starship Mk 2 respectively. The Mk 1 prototype is being built at the Boca Chica launch site while Mk 2 is being constructed in Cocoa, Florida.

Construction of both prototypes is progressing well, with the primary structures of the two vehicles nearing completion.

According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk [twitter.com], the two major sections of the vehicles (fairing and tanks) will soon be stacked together. From there, technicians will install the control fins, Raptor engines, and landing gear.

A presentation revealing new details about Starship [wikipedia.org] has been tentatively rescheduled for mid-September.

Also at Ars Technica [arstechnica.com] and Teslarati [teslarati.com].

Previously: SpaceX Launches CRS-18 Using Twice-Flown Booster, Starhopper Finally Flies [soylentnews.org]
SpaceX 'Starhopper' Highest-Ever Test Flight Early Next Week [soylentnews.org]
SpaceX's Starhopper 150-Meter Test... Scrubbed for Monday; Try Again Tuesday at Same Time [Updated] [soylentnews.org]

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