Starhopper

E58703

Starhopper is SpaceX’s early prototype test vehicle used to validate key technologies for the Starship launch system, particularly its Raptor engines and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

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Observed surface forms (1)

Surface form Occurrences
Big Falcon Rocket 1

Statements (48)

Predicate Object
instanceOf prototype rocket
subscale Starship prototype
test vehicle
associatedWith Elon Musk
capabilityTested attitude control during low-altitude flight
autonomous landing
engine start and shutdown sequences
thrust vector control
countryOfOrigin United States of America
surface form: United States
designFeature cylindrical tank section with nose cap
landing legs
single-engine configuration
stainless steel structure
engineType methane-fueled full-flow staged combustion engine
followedBy Starship launch system
surface form: Starship Mk1 prototype

Starship launch system
surface form: Starship SN-series prototypes
fuelType methalox
launchSite Boca Chica, Texas
Starbase, Boca Chica, Texas
surface form: SpaceX Boca Chica launch site

Boca Chica, Texas
surface form: Starbase, Texas
locationAfterRetirement Starbase, Boca Chica, Texas
surface form: SpaceX Boca Chica facility
manufacturer SpaceX
notableAspect first flying prototype of the Starship architecture
operator SpaceX
organization Elon Musk
surface form: foundedBy Elon Musk
partOf Starship launch system
surface form: Starship launch system development program
precededBy Falcon 9 rocket
surface form: Falcon 9 reusable first stage tests

Grasshopper
primaryPurpose Raptor engine testbed
technology demonstrator
vertical takeoff and landing validation
program Starship launch system
surface form: SpaceX Starship development program
propellant liquid methane
liquid oxygen
propulsion Raptor engine
relatedTo Super Heavy booster
surface form: SpaceX Starship

Super Heavy booster
surface form: SpaceX Super Heavy booster
roleInProgram early Starship development prototype
status retired test article
testCampaign hop tests up to approximately 150 meters altitude
testedTechnology Raptor engine integration with vehicle
flight software for Starship-class vehicles
ground support systems for methane-oxygen vehicles
usedFor engine gimbal testing
guidance and control validation
hover tests
low-altitude flight tests
throttle control testing

Referenced by (2)

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BFR alsoKnownAs Starhopper
this entity surface form: Big Falcon Rocket