News
SpaceX’s first high-altitude Starship prototype just “passed cryo proof” testing
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says that the first high-altitude Starship prototype – known as SN8 – just “passed cryo proof” testing in South Texas, potentially setting the ship up for a ~15 km (9.5 mile) flight test in the near future.
Meanwhile, NASA astronaut Bob Hines recently overflew SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas Starship factory with several compatriots, offering an excellent aerial view of the company’s bustling facilities in the midst of Starship SN8’s critical cryo proof test campaign.
Hines managed to catch the Moon alongside one of the T-38 trainer jets NASA astronauts routinely use for training and travel, serving as a reminder that SpaceX won $135 million to build a Lunar Starship that might someday return humans to Earth’s lone companion. Likely with or without NASA’s involvement, the Starship prototype production and test program SpaceX is deep in the midst of will directly determine if and when the company visits – and lands on – the Moon and Mars.
Over the last three days, SpaceX has gradually put Starship SN8 – the first prototype meant for high-altitude flight testing – through its paces, beginning with a seemingly aborted “cryo proof” test on October 5/6. During the first attempt, SpaceX appeared to pressurize the rocket tank section with cold nitrogen gas and perhaps a small volume of liquid nitrogen before reopening the highway. Starship SN8 also actuated its large aft flaps under its own power for the first time on October 4th and SpaceX has performed several more actuation tests in the days since.
24 hours later, SpaceX tried again, this time successfully loading Starship SN8’s liquid oxygen and methane propellant tanks with perhaps a thousand metric tons (2.2 million pounds) of liquid nitrogen – used to simulate the ultra-cold temperatures of cryogenic propellant without the risk of a catastrophic fire or explosion. After cryo load, SpaceX reportedly attempted to pressurize the rocket’s tanks to their limits but the test was stopped somewhat short when Starship SN8 sprung “a small leak…near the engine mounts” after reaching pressures of 7 bar (~100 psi).
Precisely as Musk predicted, SpaceX apparently managed to fix the minor leak in less than 24 hours and began the third round of Starship SN8 cryo proof testing late on October 7th. Once again, the rocket was fully loaded with liquid nitrogen and spent some 2-3 hours under cryogenic stress as SpaceX likely stress the thrust structure (“thrust puck”) by simulating the thrust of Raptor engines with hydraulic rams. Nothing out of the ordinary happened and Musk has yet to comment on the test, suggesting that things went largely as planned.
Intriguingly, SpaceX then geared up for a fourth night of cryogenic testing on October 8/9. It’s not entirely surprising that the company would want to test the first Starship built primarily with a new steel alloy as thoroughly as possible. If SN8’s fourth night of testing produces satisfactory results and SpaceX is less than concerned with the leak discovered during the second round of testing, the company could be ready to install three engines and attempt the first multi-Raptor static fire test ever.
Update: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says that Starship SN8 “passed cryo proof” testing, most likely setting the rocket up for the first triple-Raptor static fire test ever attempted. If SN8 passes static fire testing, it will most likely be outfitted with a nosecone and forward flaps and attempt another three-engine static fire using smaller ‘header’ propellant tanks, ultimately preparing it to support the first high-altitude flight test of a Starship prototype if all goes according to plan.
Check out Teslarati’s Marketplace! We offer Tesla accessories, including for the Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla Model 3.
Elon Musk
Tesla Megapack powers $1.1B AI data center project in Brazil
By integrating Tesla’s Megapack systems, the facility will function not only as a major power consumer but also as a grid-supporting asset.
Tesla’s Megapack battery systems will be deployed as part of a 400MW AI data center campus in Uberlândia, Brazil. The initiative is described as one of Latin America’s largest AI infrastructure projects.
The project is being led by RT-One, which confirmed that the facility will integrate Tesla Megapack battery energy storage systems (BESS) as part of a broader industrial alliance that includes Hitachi Energy, Siemens, ABB, HIMOINSA, and Schneider Electric. The project is backed by more than R$6 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) in private capital.
According to RT-One, the data center is designed to operate on 100% renewable energy while also reinforcing regional grid stability.
“Brazil generates abundant energy, particularly from renewable sources such as solar and wind. However, high renewable penetration can create grid stability challenges,” RT-One President Fernando Palamone noted in a post on LinkedIn. “Managing this imbalance is one of the country’s growing infrastructure priorities.”
By integrating Tesla’s Megapack systems, the facility will function not only as a major power consumer but also as a grid-supporting asset.
“The facility will be capable of absorbing excess electricity when supply is high and providing stabilization services when the grid requires additional support. This approach enhances resilience, improves reliability, and contributes to a more efficient use of renewable generation,” Palamone added.
The model mirrors approaches used in energy-intensive regions such as California and Texas, where large battery systems help manage fluctuations tied to renewable energy generation.
The RT-One President recently visited Tesla’s Megafactory in Lathrop, California, where Megapacks are produced, as part of establishing the partnership. He thanked the Tesla team, including Marcel Dall Pai, Nicholas Reale, and Sean Jones, for supporting the collaboration in his LinkedIn post.
Elon Musk
Starlink powers Europe’s first satellite-to-phone service with O2 partnership
The service initially supports text messaging along with apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Maps and weather tools.
Starlink is now powering Europe’s first commercial satellite-to-smartphone service, as Virgin Media O2 launches a space-based mobile data offering across the UK.
The new O2 Satellite service uses Starlink’s low-Earth orbit network to connect regular smartphones in areas without terrestrial coverage, expanding O2’s reach from 89% to 95% of Britain’s landmass.
Under the rollout, compatible Samsung devices automatically connect to Starlink satellites when users move beyond traditional mobile coverage, according to Reuters.
The service initially supports text messaging along with apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Maps and weather tools. O2 is pricing the add-on at £3 per month.
By leveraging Starlink’s satellite infrastructure, O2 can deliver connectivity in remote and rural regions without building additional ground towers. The move represents another step in Starlink’s push beyond fixed broadband and into direct-to-device mobile services.
Virgin Media O2 chief executive Lutz Schuler shared his thoughts about the Starlink partnership. “By launching O2 Satellite, we’ve become the first operator in Europe to launch a space-based mobile data service that, overnight, has brought new mobile coverage to an area around two-thirds the size of Wales for the first time,” he said.
Satellite-based mobile connectivity is gaining traction globally. In the U.S., T-Mobile has launched a similar satellite-to-cell offering. Meanwhile, Vodafone has conducted satellite video call tests through its partnership with AST SpaceMobile last year.
For Starlink, the O2 agreement highlights how its network is increasingly being integrated into national telecom systems, enabling standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites without specialized hardware.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s Starbase, TX included in $84.6 million coastal funding round
The funds mark another step in the state’s ongoing beach restoration and resilience efforts along the Gulf Coast.
Elon Musk’s Starbase, Texas has been included in an $84.6 million coastal funding round announced by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). The funds mark another step in the state’s ongoing beach restoration and resilience efforts along the Gulf Coast.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham confirmed that 14 coastal counties will receive funding through the Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 31 and Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act (CEPRA) program Cycle 14. Among the Brownsville-area recipients listed was the City of Starbase, which is home to SpaceX’s Starship factory.
“As someone who spent more than a decade living on the Texas coast, ensuring our communities, wildlife, and their habitats are safe and thriving is of utmost importance. I am honored to bring this much-needed funding to our coastal communities for these beneficial projects,” Commissioner Buckingham said in a press release.
“By dedicating this crucial assistance to these impactful projects, the GLO is ensuring our Texas coast will continue to thrive and remain resilient for generations to come.”
The official Starbase account acknowledged the support in a post on X, writing: “Coastal resilience takes teamwork. We appreciate @TXGLO and Commissioner Dawn Buckingham for their continued support of beach restoration projects in Starbase.”
The funding will support a range of coastal initiatives, including beach nourishment, dune restoration, shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, and water quality improvements.
CMP projects are backed by funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, alongside local partner matches. CEPRA projects focus specifically on reducing coastal erosion and are funded through allocations from the Texas Legislature, the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax, and GOMESA.
Checks were presented in Corpus Christi and Brownsville to counties, municipalities, universities, and conservation groups. In addition to Starbase, Brownsville-area recipients included Cameron County, the City of South Padre Island, Willacy County, and the Willacy County Navigation District.
Tesla Megapack powers $1.1B AI data center project in Brazil
Starlink powers Europe’s first satellite-to-phone service with O2 partnership
