STARSHIP/
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STARSHIP/
Starship SN15 was a prototype Starship vehicle that conducted a test flight to 10 kilometers in altitude. It became the first prototype to softly land following a high-altitude test flight. SN15 featured hundreds of upgrades over previous prototypes, including an upgraded thrust puck and Raptor engines. It remained on display for over 2 years after its flight, but was finally cut in half on July 26, 2023.
Starship SN15 successfully conducted a test flight to 10 kilometers in altitude and then performed a propulsive landing on the landing zone. The flight test was the first successful soft landing of a Starship prototype during a high altitude test flight.
Starship SN15 conducted a static fire test using its header tanks to further verify that it was ready for flight.
Starship SN15 conducted a triple-engine static fire test using to verify that the vehicle was ready for its test flight to 10 kilometers.
Starship SN15 conducted another round of proof testing to verify that it is structurally sound. This round of testing included proof testing of the header tanks.
Starship SN15 performed a cryogenic proof test to verify structural upgrades to the Starship design. The testing included the use of a hydraulic thrust simulator to test the new thrust puck design. Leaks (likely from ground support equipment) occurred during the test.