Starship SN4 exploded during its fifth static fire test. The test used Raptor SN20, which functioned nominally. However, as part of the test, the quick disconnect umbilicals were disconnected. They failed to properly shut their valves during the disconnect process – leaking large amounts of propellant. The propellant was then ignited, leading to a loss of the Starship vehicle.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Fri May 29, 2020

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Starship SN4 successfully completed its fourth static fire test. This test used Raptor SN20.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Thu May 28, 2020

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Starship SN4 completed its third static fire. This test used Raptor SN20. During the static fire, a ground support pipe was knocked loose by Raptor's thrust – causing a fuel leak. The leak caused a small fire, resulting in minor damage at the pad.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Tue May 19, 2020

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Starship SN4 conducted a preburner test with its Raptor engine.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Sun May 17, 2020

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Starship SN4 passed a second cryogenic proof test. This time around, the vehicle achieved 7.5 bar, according to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Sat May 09, 2020

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Starship SN4 conducted a second successful static fire using Raptor SN18. This test used feeding from the fuel header tank instead of the main tank. Following this test, Raptor SN18 was removed to allow for another cryogenic proof test.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Thu May 07, 2020

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Starship SN4 completed a successful static fire using Raptor SN18. This was the first static fire of a Raptor engine mounted to a full-scale Starship prototype.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Tue May 05, 2020

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Starship SN4 became the first full-scale Starship tank section to pass a cryogenic proof test. The vehicle achieved a pressure of 4.9 bar during the test.

Suborbital Pad A, Starbase, Texas, USA

Sun Apr 26, 2020

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