SpaceX Starship SN8 Hits Altitude Target, Explodes on Landing Pad

SpaceX

Low pressure in the fuel header tank starved the Raptor engines and caused a high-velocity crash, though the flight successfully validated Starship's aerodynamic glide and landing flip maneuvers.

AI-assisted summary of Starship High Altitude Test - SN8 — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2020-12-09

Key ideas

SpaceX successfully launched Starship prototype Serial Number 8 (SN8) on its first high-altitude flight test to an apogee of approximately 12.5 km (41,000 feet) from Cameron County, Texas. (105:00)
The vehicle completed its planned belly-flop aerodynamic descent, actively trimming its horizontal posture via independent control of two forward and two aft flaps. (110:00)
SN8 executed the critical landing flip maneuver to swing vertical, but low pressure in the fuel header tank led to high touchdown velocity and an explosive hard landing. (110:00)
Despite the destructive impact on the landing pad, major flight objectives were met, and SpaceX confirmed Starship SN9 was already prepared for the subsequent test campaign. (115:00)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by SpaceX on December 9, 2020, this broadcast documents the high-altitude suborbital flight test of Starship serial number 8 (SN8) from their Cameron County launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas. According to the page description, the vehicle successfully ascended, transitioned propellant, and performed a landing flip maneuver before low fuel header tank pressure caused a high-velocity hard landing.

## TL;DR The broadcast chronicles the historic 12.5-kilometer test flight of Starship SN8, beginning with an abrupt countdown abort that requires an extended ground recycle. Once the countdown resumes, SN8 lifts off smoothly under the power of three Raptor engines, systematically shutting them down as it reaches apogee and transitions propellant to internal header tanks. The vehicle then executes an unprecedented unpowered belly-flop aerodynamic glide, expertly balancing attitude using four actuated body flaps. During the final relight and landing flip maneuver, depleted header tank pressure results in engine copper erosion and an explosive touchdown on the pad, successfully securing essential engineering data for future prototypes like SN9.

## Atmosphere & style The broadcast carries a tense, highly technical ambiance driven by crackling voice loops, venting cryogenic tanks, and procedural callouts against the vast backdrop of Boca Chica. What begins as a nerve-wracking, prolonged countdown hold shifts into awe-inspiring spectacle as the massive steel rocket ascends, hovers, and floats serenely through its horizontal aerodynamic descent. The shocking, fiery violence of the touchdown is quickly balanced by relief and quiet triumph, leaving viewers with the palpable thrill of witnessing frontier aerospace engineering in real time.

## Bulletin - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) SpaceX successfully launched Starship prototype Serial Number 8 (SN8) on its first high-altitude flight test to an apogee of approximately 12.5 km (41,000 feet) from Cameron County, Texas. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) The vehicle completed its planned belly-flop aerodynamic descent, actively trimming its horizontal posture via independent control of two forward and two aft flaps. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) SN8 executed the critical landing flip maneuver to swing vertical, but low pressure in the fuel header tank led to high touchdown velocity and an explosive hard landing. - [01:55:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6900s) Despite the destructive impact on the landing pad, major flight objectives were met, and SpaceX confirmed Starship SN9 was already prepared for the subsequent test campaign.

## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=0s) The launch was initially aborted just moments before the terminal count due to an automated hold, forcing an extended recycle operation of over an hour. - [05:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=300s) Launch controllers used the extended hold to safe the vehicle, reset ground support equipment, and stabilize cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid methane levels. - [01:30:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=5400s) The countdown officially resumed at T-15 minutes with Raptor engine terminal chilling and header tank pressurization verified by T-10 minutes. - [01:40:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6000s) Range safety confirmed full clearance of the Gulf of Mexico maritime exclusion zone at T-5 minutes prior to terminal count entry. - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) Starship SN8 lifted off successfully powered by three sea-level Raptor engines firing simultaneously. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) During ascent, the vehicle sequentially shut down individual Raptor engines to regulate acceleration as propellant mass depleted. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) At apogee (~12.5 km), SN8 successfully switched propellant feed from the main tanks to internal header tanks and shut down its final Raptor. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) SN8 proved the viability of the unpowered belly-flop glide, using four actuated aerodynamic flaps to stabilize its horizontal descent. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) The Raptor engines reignited and gimbaled aggressively to swing the massive steel vehicle from a horizontal orientation to vertical for touchdown. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) Insufficient pressure in the fuel header tank starved the Raptors during the landing burn, resulting in engine copper erosion and excessive descent speed. - [01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) The vehicle struck the Cameron County landing pad at high velocity, resulting in an explosive hard landing but yielding critical flight telemetry. - [01:55:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6900s) Starship SN9 was confirmed as the immediate follow-on prototype waiting in the high bay to continue the suborbital test flight program.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=0s) Initial Countdown and Abort Hold

The live broadcast begins on the Cameron County launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, where Starship Serial Number 8 (SN8) sits fueled on the mount for its historic high-altitude suborbital flight test. Background communications hum as controllers monitor propellant loading and system pressures. As the clock ticks down past the five-minute mark toward a planned liftoff, launch controllers verify tank press and engine chill status.

The launch sequence is abruptly halted just moments before the final terminal count. A launch controller calls out over the net, “Hold, hold, hold on countdown.” The hold pauses vehicle operations as controllers scramble to safe vehicle systems, review telemetry parameters, and assess whether a recycle is possible within the day's test window.

- Vehicle: Starship prototype serial number 8 (SN8) - Test objective: First high-altitude flight to an altitude of 12.5 km (41,000 feet) - Initial status: Abort called before final terminal count, placing the vehicle into a hold

---

[05:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=300s) Launch Recycle and Extended Standby

Following the countdown abort, SpaceX teams enter an extended hold and recycle operation lasting over an hour. Technicians and flight controllers work methodically through procedural checklists to reset the ground support equipment (GSE), stabilize cryogenic propellant levels in the main liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane tanks, and clear any transient engine sensor or valve anomalies.

During the prolonged pause, livestream ambient audio captures periodic net checks, operations controller voice loops, range monitoring, and venting sounds from the pad as Starship periodically relieves pressure. The operations controller checks in across subsystems with status updates to coordinate the next attempt once ground systems and the Cameron County safety perimeter are fully verified.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Starship SN8 Launch Operation Flow accDescr: Sequential flow diagram of the Starship SN8 high-altitude test flight stages.

subgraph Countdown["Countdown & Range"] A["Countdown Hold & Recycle"] --> B["Range & Maritime Zone Clear"] B --> C["Terminal Count: T-2 Mins to T-0"] end

subgraph Ascent["Ascent & High-Altitude Flight"] C --> D["Liftoff on 3 Raptor Engines"] D --> E["Sequential Raptor Engine Cutoffs"] E --> F["Apogee (~12.5 km) & Transition to Header Tanks"] end

subgraph Descent["Descent & Touchdown"] F --> G["Belly-Flop Aerodynamic Glide (Flap Control)"] G --> H["Raptor Relight & Landing Flip Maneuver"] H --> I["High-Velocity Impact / Hard Touchdown"] end ```

---

[01:30:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=5400s) Resuming the Countdown: T-15 to T-10 Minutes

Activity across the operational nets ramps back up as SpaceX flight controllers resolve the hold conditions and establish a new T-0 target. A controller announces over the net, “T-minus 15 minutes.” Ground systems resume active terminal chilling of the Raptor engines and final topping of both the main methane and liquid oxygen tanks, along with pressurization of the dedicated nosecone and common-dome propellant header tanks designed for the landing burn.

At the ten-minute mark, the net crackles with the countdown callout: “T minus 10 minutes.” With the vehicle configured and automated sequences initiated, controllers begin final status checks on vehicle flight computers, thrust vector control actuators, and aerodynamic flap control systems.

- Timeline checkpoint: Countdown resumed at T-15 minutes - Flight milestones: Tank pressurization and Raptor chill sequences verified by T-10 minutes

---

[01:40:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6000s) Range Clearance and Final Pad Preparation

With five minutes remaining, focus shifts to safety perimeters, airspace restrictions, and the Gulf of Mexico maritime exclusion zone. A controller queries range safety on the perimeter clearance, receiving the report: “Maritime zone is clear at this time.” The launch director promptly acknowledges the status over the operational loop: “Yeah, copy maritime zone is clear at this time.”

Moments later, the timekeeper calls out, “T minus five minutes.” Starship SN8 transitions into its final autonomous setup, closing propellant ground feed valves, starting final engine purge sequences, and verifying that the hydraulic and battery power systems powering the four aerodynamic body flaps are fully primed for active flight control.

- Range confirmation: Gulf of Mexico maritime clearance confirmed clear of marine traffic - Milestone: Terminal count entry at T-5 minutes

---

[01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) Terminal Count and SN8 Liftoff

The terminal count proceeds with rapid, high-stakes milestones. The controller calls, “T minus 2 minutes,” followed closely by “T minus one minute.” At thirty seconds before launch, the controller confirms the vehicle status: “Stage is go for flight.” Starship’s flight computers assume autonomous control of the countdown.

At ten seconds, the final cadence begins: “T minus 10... 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.” The ignition sequence commands all three Raptor engines to light in a plume of methane exhaust, and the announcer confirms, “We have liftoff.” Starship SN8 climbs majestically off the Cameron County launch pad into clear skies, with its three Raptor engines firing smoothly through maximum aerodynamic pressure.

- Launch time: T-0 achieved after countdown recycling - Engine configuration: 3 sea-level Raptor engines firing simultaneously at liftoff - Primary ascent: Clear launch pad clearance and stable vertical ascent trajectory

---

[01:50:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6600s) Ascent, Flap Aerodynamics, Landing Flip, and Touchdown

Starship SN8 powers through its high-altitude ascent, sequentially shutting down individual Raptor engines as vehicle mass decreases to maintain controlled acceleration. Upon reaching its targeted apogee of approximately 12.5 kilometers, the final Raptor shuts down, and propellant feeds transition from the main tanks to the internal header tanks. SN8 tilts horizontally, entering its pioneering unpowered belly-flop aerodynamic glide. The vehicle's onboard flight computers independently actuate the two forward and two aft body flaps, maintaining an exceptionally stable belly-down orientation through the descent.

As SN8 approaches the ground, the vehicle commands the Raptor relight sequence for the landing flip maneuver. The Raptors reignite and gimbal aggressively, swinging the massive steel ship from a horizontal belly-down orientation into a vertical landing posture. However, low pressure in the fuel header tank starves the engines during the final landing burn, causing the exhaust flame to turn bright green from engine copper erosion. SN8 reaches the landing pad with high touchdown velocity, resulting in an explosive hard landing. Despite the destructive touchdown, the primary test objectives—ascent, stage propellant transition, aerodynamic belly-flop stability, and the landing flip maneuver—were cleanly achieved.

---

[01:55:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6900s) Post-Test Aftermath and Team Congratulations

In the wake of the explosive impact, cameras capture the dust and smoke clearing over the Boca Chica landing site, revealing the wreckage alongside valuable telemetry preserved across all vehicle channels. On the international transmission feed, commentators praise the historic engineering milestone achieved by the prototype, broadcasting in Spanish: “Increíble trabajo, equipo.” (“Incredible work, team.”)

The broadcast highlights the test's unprecedented aerodynamic data collection and confirms that Serial Number 9 (SN9) is already waiting in the high bay for the next flight test campaign. The broadcast concludes with warm gratitude to the Cameron County community and viewers worldwide: “Gracias por ver el video.” (“Thank you for watching the video.”)

- Result: Successful data capture across all major flight phases; rapid unscheduled disassembly on touchdown - Follow-up: Starship SN9 designated as the next test article in line for the high-altitude test program

## Mentioned SpaceX, Starship, Starship SN8, Starship SN9, Raptor engine, Cameron County, Boca Chica, Gulf of Mexico, Mars

## Video description On Wednesday, December 9, Starship serial number 8 (SN8) lifted off from our Cameron County launch pad and successfully ascended, transitioned propellant, and performed its landing flip maneuver with precise flap control to reach its landing point. Low pressure in the fuel header tank during the landing burn led to high touchdown velocity resulting in a hard (and exciting!) landing.

Thank you to all the locals supporting our efforts in Cameron County and beyond. Congratulations to the entire Starship and SpaceX teams on today’s test! Serial number 9 (SN9) is up next – Mars, here we come!

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o)

中文简报

SpaceX星舰SN8达到预定高度，着陆垫上爆炸燃料头箱压力不足导致猛禽发动机燃料匮乏并引发高速坠毁，但此次飞行成功验证了星舰的气动滑翔和着陆翻转机动。本次转播记录了星舰SN8历史性的12.5公里试飞。试飞最初因倒计时突然中止而需要长时间的地面重置。倒计时恢复后，SN8在三台猛禽发动机的动力下平稳升空，在达到最高点并推进剂过渡至内部头箱的过程中，系统性地逐台关闭发动机。随后，该飞行器执行了史无前例的无动力“机腹朝下”气动滑翔，利用四个受控的机身襟翼精准平衡姿态。在最后的重新点火和着陆翻转机动期间，头箱压力耗尽导致发动机铜材料侵蚀并在着陆垫上爆炸性着陆，但成功为包括SN9在内的未来原型机获取了关键的工程数据。 SpaceX在德克萨斯州卡梅伦县成功发射星舰原型机Serial Number 8（SN8），完成了其首次高空飞行测试，最高飞行高度达到约12.5公里（41,000英尺）。 (105:00) 该飞行器完成了计划中的“机腹朝下”气动下降，通过对两个前置襟翼和两个后置襟翼的独立控制，主动调整其水平姿态。 (110:00) SN8执行了关键的着陆翻转机动以转为垂直状态，但燃料头箱压力偏低导致接地速度过快并发生爆炸性硬着陆。 (110:00) 尽管在着陆垫上发生了破坏性撞击，主要飞行目标仍已达成，SpaceX确认星舰SN9已为后续测试任务准备就绪。 (115:00)

Detailed notes — zh

## Background 该视频由 SpaceX 于 2020 年 12 月 9 日发布在 YouTube 平台上。视频记录了星舰原型机 SN8 在得克萨斯州卡梅伦县发射场进行的高空飞行测试，内容涵盖起飞爬升、推进剂切换、气动舵面姿态控制，以及最后因燃料副罐压力偏低导致的高速硬着陆过程。 ## TL;DR 直播完整记录了星舰原型机 SN8 的首次高空飞行测试全过程。在早期倒计时阶段，地面团队在 T-5 分钟因系统校准触发了长达一个多小时的中止与排查，随后成功重置时钟并顺利推进倒计时。随着三台猛禽发动机在 T-0 点火起飞，SN8 成功完成了高空爬升、高空姿态切换、水平腹式俯冲（Belly Flop）以及近地着陆翻转等核心气动演练。尽管在最终触地前因燃料副罐压力不足导致硬着陆损毁，测试依然成功验证了多项关键航天工程指标，为后续 SN9 的测试铺平了道路。 ## Atmosphere & style 整场直播充满了航天工程特有的张力与跌宕起伏。前一个多小时漫长的排查和对讲机中沉稳琐碎的指令，让观众置身于严谨、压抑但极具专业感的地面发射控制氛围中；而随着重启倒计时并进入最后十秒倒数，气氛骤然升温，伴随着猛禽发动机震耳欲聋的轰鸣和惊艳的翻转机动，将紧张感推向顶峰。即便最后以撞击火球收尾，团队频道中爆发出的欢呼与赞叹依然传递出一种极具感染力的先锋探索精神与豪迈激情。 ## Bulletin - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) SpaceX 星舰原型机 SN8 在得克萨斯州博卡奇卡成功完成首次高空飞行测试，验证了多机爬升、空中推进剂切换与水平俯冲机动等核心飞行动作。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 试飞在着陆前因燃料副罐（header tank）压力偏低导致发动机推力不足，造成接地速度过高并发生硬着陆爆炸，但整体测试目标超额达成。 - [01:55:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6900s) 本次试飞获取了大量高空空气动力学与气动舵面控制数据，相关经验将直接应用于下一台原型机 SN9 的后续试飞中。 ## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=0s) 测试载具为 SpaceX 星舰全尺寸原型机 SN8，发射场地位于得克萨斯州卡梅伦县博卡奇卡发射基地。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=0s) 发射倒计时在 T-5 分钟阶段因地面系统与飞船状态校准需求触发临时中止（Hold）。 - [10:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=600s) 地面测控团队耗时一个多小时对阀门、电气连接与推进剂管路温度等关键指标展开全面排查与复核。 - [01:30:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=5400s) 系统排查完毕后，发射控制室在 T-15 分钟重新激活发射倒计时并恢复临射前预增压流程。 - [01:35:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=5700s) 进入 T-10 分钟后，发射台安全警戒自检生效，储罐增压系统逐步切换至自动控制时序。 - [01:40:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6000s) 在 T-5 分钟节点，测控团队确认博卡奇卡周边海面禁航区（Maritime Zone）完全清空。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 倒计时进入 T-30 秒时，飞船各系统确认处于“Go for flight”状态并启动最终点火程序。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 三台猛禽（Raptor）液氧甲烷发动机成功点火，SN8 拔地而起并按预定弹道展开垂直爬升。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) SN8 在高空依次关停发动机并平稳完成主副推进剂储罐的供给切换。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 飞船成功进入水平“腹式俯冲（Belly Flop）”姿态，利用四个主动控制舵面完成精确的气动减速与姿态维持。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 在接近地面时，SN8 成功执行了高难度的着陆翻转点火机动，将箭体拉回垂直状态。 - [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 由于顶部燃料副罐在点火段压力偏低，最终触地速度偏大导致飞船在着陆垫发生硬着陆解体（RUD）。 - [01:55:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6900s) 试飞团队宣布全面回收测试遥测数据，为下一阶段编号 SN9 的原型机试飞奠定了坚实基础。 ## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=0s) 发射倒计时初步推进与临时中止 SpaceX 开启了星舰原型机 SN8（Serial Number 8）的高空飞行测试直播。地面团队在得克萨斯州卡梅伦县博卡奇卡发射场对飞船进行发射前的技术检查与推进剂加注监控。在倒计时的初期推进阶段，控制室内曾发出阶段性口令，提示发射进入倒计时：“- Two minus five minutes.”（距发射倒计时 5 分钟）。随后各项设备展开校验，各控制席位持续进行交接与确认。然而，在发射窗口内由于地面系统或飞船状态需要进一步校准，控制团队随即下达了中止倒计时的指令：“Hold, hold, hold on countdown.”发射程序暂时挂起，倒计时时钟暂停，团队进入异常排查与重新配置流程。 - 测试载具：SpaceX 星舰原型机 SN8 - 发射场地：得克萨斯州卡梅伦县博卡奇卡发射基地 - 倒计时初期指令：进入 T-5 分钟后触发 Hold 挂起 --- ### [10:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=600s) 地面排查与长时间等待在倒计时中止后，发射控制团队针对各项遥测指标与现场环境展开细致排查。现场持续播放背景音并伴有各类控制回路的断续沟通，各系统负责人对阀门状态、电气连接以及推进剂管路温度进行复核。期间控制席位简短汇报了操作状态：“OC off for two.”（2 号系统相关操作已关闭/离线）。由于高空试飞需要极为严苛的气象条件与飞船自检状态，工程团队在数十分钟的时间里逐步排除潜在隐患，耐心等待重新进入发射程序的窗口。 --- ### [45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=2700s) 团队状态调整与恢复发射准备随着排查工作的深入，现场环境逐渐平稳，海风与环境噪音在直播信道中清晰可辨。经历长时间的等待与反复确认后，团队逐渐理清了系统状态，操作人员在信道中感叹当天的整体推进：“The end of the day is a very good day.”（到目前为止今天依然是非常棒的一天）。各席位开始重新对齐时间轴，清理控制流程并准备再次发起发射倒计时尝试。 --- ### [01:30:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=5400s) 重新进入 T-15 分钟倒计时地面测控站完成系统重启与校准，发射团队确认所有地面与箭上设备恢复正常，重新激活发射倒计时。在经历了一个多小时的排查与等待后，控制回路正式通报：“T-minus 15 minutes.”（距发射倒计时 15 分钟）。各席位随即恢复紧张的临射前检查流程，开始按步骤执行增压、遥测链路锁定等预发射关键操作。 --- ### [01:35:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=5700s) T-10 分钟系统自检与终端倒计时准备随着发射时钟平稳走到十分钟关口，控制席位明确报出：“T minus 10 minutes.”（距发射倒计时 10 分钟）。发射台区域的警戒与安全自检全部生效，储罐增压系统逐步接入自动控制时序，遥测数据与飞行电脑保持实时同步，准备迎接最终的发射决策。 ```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: SN8 终端倒计时流程图 accDescr: 展示 SN8 从进入最后 10 分钟到点火发射的控制时序节点 subgraph PreLaunch ["终端检查阶段"] A["T-10 分钟：倒计时持续推进"] --> B["T-5 分钟：确认禁航区与最终准备"] B --> C["T-2 分钟：飞行航电与自检就绪"] end subgraph TerminalCount ["最后 60 秒时序"] D["T-1 分钟：终端自动倒计时启动"] --> E["T-30 秒：Stage / Ship Go for Flight"] E --> F["T-10 秒：点火序列触发与倒数"] F --> G["T-0 秒：三台猛禽发动机点火起飞"] end PreLaunch --> TerminalCount ``` --- ### [01:40:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6000s) 清空海面禁航区与 T-5 分钟确认临近发射，测控团队开始确认博卡奇卡沿岸的禁区安全状态。负责海上管制的席位首先汇报：“Timezone is clear at this time.”控制中心随即核对并确认海上巡逻与禁航区安全：“Yeah, copy maritime zone is clear at this time.”（收到，确认海上禁航区此时已清理完毕）。随后，时钟正式跨越关键节点，操作员播报：“T minus five minutes.”（距发射倒计时 5 分钟），飞船全面进入推进剂最终调节与发射台逃逸通道关闭阶段。 - 海面管制：Cameron County 海上禁航区（Maritime Zone）确认清空 - 发射节点：T-5 分钟口令下达，系统进入最后 300 秒倒计时 --- ### [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6300s) 最终倒计时、点火起飞与高空试飞演练时钟迅速推进至最后阶段，控制席位依次播报关键倒计时口令：“T minus 2 minutes”、“Two minus one minute”（距发射 1 分钟）。在倒计时进入最后 30 秒时，系统确认星舰处于完全适飞状态：“- Two minus 30. Stage drop is go for flight.”（T-30 秒，星舰各系统允许飞行）。进入最后 10 秒，现场开始了激动人心的秒数倒数：“2 minus 10. Seven. 6. 5. Four. Three. Two, one, zero.” 随着计数归零，控制室宣布起飞：“We have lift on four.”三台猛禽（Raptor）液氧甲烷发动机点火启动，SN8 从发射台上拔地而起，咆哮着穿过得州南部的天空。飞船按预定轨道持续爬升，并在高空依次关停发动机、完成推进剂切换，随后成功转入水平“腹式俯冲（Belly Flop）”姿态，利用四个气动翼面精确控制姿态下落，最终在接近地面时重新点燃发动机完成着陆翻转机动。虽然在最后的着陆阶段，顶部燃料副罐（header tank）压力偏低导致推力不足，使 SN8 触地速度过高并发生硬着陆爆炸（RUD），但测试验证了高空爬升、主动气动舵面控制和着陆翻转机动等核心指标。 - 关键点火节点：T-30 秒“Go for flight”，T-0 正常点火起飞 - 验证项目：三机高空爬升、推进剂罐内切换、俯冲姿态气动控制与着陆翻转机动 --- ### [01:55:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o&t=6900s) 团队致敬与试飞总结在试飞结束、现场烟雾散去后，团队成员与直播画面向整个 SpaceX 工程团队和支持者表达敬意，伴随着持续的欢呼与感叹：“Increíble trabajo, equipo.”（团队干得太棒了）。解说与画面向得克萨斯州卡梅伦县的当地社区及全球观众致谢，庆祝本次高空测试获得了海量关键飞行数据，并为后续编号 SN9 原型机的发射打下了坚实基础。 - 任务后续：测试数据全面回收，后续任务将由 SN9 接力执行 ## Mentioned SpaceX, Starship, SN8, SN9, Raptor, Cameron County, Boca Chica ## Video description On Wednesday, December 9, Starship serial number 8 (SN8) lifted off from our Cameron County launch pad and successfully ascended, transitioned propellant, and performed its landing flip maneuver with precise flap control to reach its landing point. Low pressure in the fuel header tank during the landing burn led to high touchdown velocity resulting in a hard (and exciting!) landing. Thank you to all the locals supporting our efforts in Cameron County and beyond. Congratulations to the entire Starship and SpaceX teams on today’s test! Serial number 9 (SN9) is up next – Mars, here we come! [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o)

Original transcript

[0:00] *throwing* Thank you. you you I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . you Thank you. . you you . you I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. *Rain* you I'm going to go. Thank you. you you . Thank you. - Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you - - Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. . you Thank you. Thank you. - Two minus five minutes. *Bad music* Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. you you *Sigh* Thank you. *Sigh* you Thank you. *Sigh* *Sigh* you Thank you. I'm going to go. you - Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. you - I'm going to go. - Okay. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go to the next one. *Sigh* Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. So, you . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go to the next one. you Thank you. you Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. Hold, hold, hold on countdown. - Thank you. *Rainful music* [5:00] *Bad music* Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. so so Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. *thud* I'm going to go. Thank you. *Burps* Thank you. *sniff* Thank you. *Sigh* Thank you. Thank you. you you you - Thank you. . Thank you. so Thank you. . . Thank you. . so . I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. you Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. you I'm going to go. Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. *Sigh* Thank you. you Thank you. you so Thank you. So, you Thank you. *Bad music* Thank you. Thank you. - Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you you Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . you - . so Thank you. [10:00] *Bad music* Thank you. so Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go. Thank you. . Thank you. you Thank you. . . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. you OC off for two. . Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you *Bad music* I'm going to go to the next one. I'm going to go. Thank you. you - Thank you. you you you Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. you you I'm going to go. . Thank you. you Thank you. you I'm going to go. - you Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. you - Thank you. so I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go. [15:00] so Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. . So, you . you - *Rain* I'm going to go. - Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. - - Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . . Thank you. Thank you. . you you . Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. . *Burz noise* you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. - - Okay. - - Thank you. So, let's go. Thank you. *Bad* Thank you. Thank you. you you Thank you. . Thank you. so So, let's go. Thank you. - . . you Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . you Thank you. Thank you. you . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. *Rainful sound* you [20:00] *Painless music* - . I'm going to go. you - Thank you. *Bad music* I'm going to go. *Sigh* I'm going to go. Thank you. *Loud noise* . Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Okay. Thank you. you . Thank you. *pain* . Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. so . you So, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. *Sigh* Thank you. Thank you. you . Thank you. . Thank you. . Thank you. *Sigh* Thank you. you Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. . you *sad music* you Thank you. you I'm going to go. you you - - you *thud* *thud* . *Loud noise* Thank you. you I'm going to go. . Thank you. . . *Burps* Thank you. you you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, . Thank you. Thank you. so [25:00] . Thank you. Thank you Thank you. I going to go to the next one Thank you Thank you. I going to go Thank you. I'm going to go. [30:00] *Painful music* I'm going to go. . So, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and get a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit. So, let's go. I'm going to go. you Thank you. . . . . Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. you Thank you. Oh, see you after. - *Sigh* . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you you . I'm going to go. so Thank you. I'm going to go. *Sigh* So, let's go. [35:00] *Painful music* Thank you. Thank you. so so Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, let's go. you you so . Okay. you Thank you. you . Thank you. *sad noise* you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. I'm going to go. Thank you. . you you you Thank you. you you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. so so I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. you Thank you. you I'm going to go. you . . . Thank you. Thank you. you . so you [40:00] . Thank you. Thank you Thank you. I going to go Thank you. I going to go to the next slide I sorry I'm going to go. Thank you. [45:00] *Painful music* *Sounds of the wind* . So, let's go. *Sigh* you you Thank you. *Sigh* I'm going to go. I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. you Thank you. The end of the day is a very good day. So, you you you you . Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you *Sigh* Thank you. *Loud noise* so Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. so you - [50:00] *Painful music* you Thank you. I'm going to go. you you you you . so I'm going to go to the next one. so So *Sigh* Thank you. So, Thank you. you *Bad* I'm going to go. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you you Thank you. . you . *Sigh* ... you you so Thank you. *Sigh* Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. So, let's go. you Thank you. So, [55:00] *Bad music* Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you . Thank you. you Thank you. you Thank you. you Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go. I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. *Burz sound* you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. *Bad music* Thank you. Thank you. you . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. - Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. . I'm going to go. . . . . So Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [60:00] *Painful music* . Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. you . *Sigh* Thank you. you I'm going to go to the next one. so Thank you. . you Okay. . - Thank you. Thank you. you you so Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . . Thank you. . you . Thank you. so *Rain* Thank you. you . I'm going to go. so [65:00] *thud* I'm going to go. . I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. . you Thank you. . I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. So, So you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. . Thank you. . you you Thank you. . you Thank you. So, So, I'm going to go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. . . [70:00] *Painful music* Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, let's go. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and get a little bit of a break. . I'm going to go. you Thank you. Thank you. you you ... you . Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Thank you. you . you Thank you. . so . . . . . Thank you. so you So, Thank you. I'm going to go. Thank you. - Thank you. . Thank you. you I'm going to go to the next one. So, let's go. so . [75:00] . Thank you. So let go Thank you. I going to go to the next one So let go So, let's go. Thank you Thank you. The [80:00] *Burz sound* you I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, let's go. . I'm going to go. I'm going to go. I'm going to go. So Thank you. you Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. . I'm going to go. *Sigh* . . . Thank you. so [85:00] *Painful music* I'm going to go. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. Thank you. Thank you. . . *Bad music* . Thank you. Thank you. So, Thank you. Thank you. you you Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. *Sigh* *Burz sound* Thank you. Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. you I'm going to go. So, . I'm going to go. . Thank you. Thank you. you you you you . Thank you. . Thank you. So, . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [90:00] *Painful Music* Thank you. you Thank you. you . you . Thank you. . I'm going to go ahead and get a little bit of a break. so Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. . . I'm going to go back to the next slide. T-minus 15 minutes. . . Thank you. . . . So, Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. you [95:00] *Burz sound* you . So, let's go. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next one. . . Thank you. . Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and get a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit. . . Okay. so so T minus 10 minutes. Thank you. so Thank you. So . So, [100:00] *Breathing* Timezone is clear at this time. . Thank you. . you Thank you. I'm sorry. you Thank you. - Yeah, copy maritime zone is clear at this time. So, let's go. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you T minus five minutes. Thank you. so I'm going to go. . . . . you [105:00] *Bad music* you So, let's go. Thank you. T minus 2 minutes I'm going to go to the next one. *Burz sound* So, let's go. Two minus one minute. . - Two minus 30. Stage drop is go for flight. 2 minus 10. - Hey. Seven. 6. 5 Four. Three. Two, one, zero. We have lift on four. I-10's triage alarms. So, let's go. So, let's go. so [110:00] *Painless music* Thank you. Thank you. So, let's go. So Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So So, *Sigh* I'm going to go to the next one. . *Burz sound* . . I'm sorry. [115:00] Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. ¡Gracias! Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. La Baja Vamos a ver. Increíble trabajo, equipo. Lo que ha hecho. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias por ver el video. La Baja Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias por ver el video. Gracias. Gracias. La Baja Gracias. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Gracias por ver el video.