SpaceX Starship SN8 on track for high-altitude hop as soon as Friday

SpaceX has been positioned to attempt the first high-altitude hop with a prototype version of its next-generation Starship vehicle all week, and there’s now a clear signal for when we can expect the dramatic launch to occur.

A NOTAM, or notice to airmen, has been filed issuing a temporary flight restriction, or TFR, over SpaceX’s launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

The TFR covers an indefinite altitude, although SpaceX is attempting to send Starship Serial Number 8 prototype vehicle up to 15 kilometers during this test flight. SpaceX previously completed 150-meter hop tests using earlier prototype Starship builds, so the upcoming test will go 100 times higher.

The temporary flight restriction over SpaceX’s launch site in South Texas covers December 4 through December 6. This means we can expect SpaceX to attempt its first high-altitude launch attempt with Starship SN8 as soon as Friday.

Catch up on our Starship coverage here:

• SpaceX in Texas: Starship SN8 awaits first high-altitude flight test this week [Gallery]
• What to know about Starship and SpaceX’s first 9-mile high test flight with SN8 happening this week
• SpaceX gears up for 15-km flight after another successful Starship static fire

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