SpaceX scrubs Starhopper test flight on Monday evening [Updated]

Enlarge / A view of Starhopper in July. (credit: Trevor Mahlmann for Ars)

7:45pm ET Monday Update: Shortly after 7pm ET (23:00 UTC) SpaceX began counting down to the 100-meter hop test for its Starhopper vehicle. And while there were some definitely rocket-like noises at T-0, the Raptor engine did not ignite. There may have been a problem with the igniters, as Musk noted on Twitter shortly after the test, "Raptor uses dual redundant torch igniters. Better long-term, but more finicky in development." The next launch attempt will occur no earlier than Tuesday.

4:20pm ET Monday Update: Per SpaceX founder Elon Musk, the company is working toward a "hop" test at 6pm ET (22:00 UTC) Monday.

Original post: As soon as Monday afternoon, SpaceX may attempt a second flight for its Starship prototype named "Starhopper." The stubby vehicle, which resembles a water tower, will seek to make a controlled flight to 150 meters above the ground before returning to land safely at SpaceX's test site in South Texas.

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