Starship SN15 test - live: Latest as SpaceX prepares for pivotal launch of Elon Musk’s Mars-bound rocket
SpaceX will once again attempt to launch and land a Starship rocket from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, but first it needs to complete a static fire test.
Starship SN15 will be the fifth prototype of the Mars-bound craft to perform a high-altitude flight test, with all previous attempts ending in an explosion.
SpaceX boss Elon Musk said improvements have been made to the Raptor engines to improve the chances of a smooth landing. The static fire test will make sure the engines work without actually lifting Starship SN15 off the ground.
Mr Musk also said on 15 April that he hoped a Starship launch would take place this week, and road closures have been put in place by Cameron County. However, airspace closure notices for the area have since been revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
We’ll have all the latest updates right here, as well as a live stream of the event as soon as it’s available.