SpaceX will launch its Starhopper rocket 16,400ft into the sky in an upcoming test flight, according to a recent application.
The application, which was spotted by The Verge , indicates that the tests will take place at SpaceX’s launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, and will see the rocket launched to 1,640ft (500 metres) for its low-altitude tests, and up to 16,400ft (5,000 metres) for its high-altitude tests.
Starhopper is a basic version of Starship - the huge passenger rocket that could send tourists to the Moon and Mars in the future.
While Starhopper has a similar structure to Starship, it’s slightly smaller than the final version.
As the name suggests, SpaceX will use Starhopper for ‘hop’ tests - short test flights to a low altitude above the Earth, before landing the rocket back on Earth.
According to Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Starhopper will perform these test flights with three engines attached.
However, leaked images of Starhopper show that the rocket currently doesn’t have any engines attached, suggesting these will be added closer to launch.
Road closures around the test site have been issued for May 28th, indicating that the test flights could take place next week.
However, The Verge has highlighted that in previous test flights, SpaceX has closed the road weeks before launch - so we could have a while to wait.
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