SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas—SpaceX turned the first launch attempt of its integrated Starship/Super Heavy vehicle into a wet dress rehearsal following a system pressurization issue that surfaced about 30 min. before a targeted 9:20 a.m. EDT liftoff on April 17.
“A pressurant valve appears to be frozen, so unless it starts operating soon, no launch today,” SpaceX CEO and Chief Engineer Elon Musk wrote on Twitter.
Minutes later, the launch attempt was called off, though fueling of the Super Heavy and the Starship Raptor engines continued until the countdown was stopped with 40 sec. left on the clock. The vehicle was fully fueled with more than 10 million gal. of liquid methane and liquid oxygen.
Recycling for another launch try will take at least 48 hr., putting the first integrated flight test of the Starship/Super Heavy on the calendar for no earlier than April 19 from nearby Boca Chica Beach, Texas.
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