The gigantic Starship rocket from SpaceX has passed its hot fire test with flying colors
On Friday afternoon, SpaceX carried out a second fire test of its Super Heavy booster, an essential step towards the upcoming launch of its enormous new rocket.
Following the recent test firing, Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, confirmed its success on social media. All 33 Raptor engines were ignited during the test, with only two engines running for under six seconds. SpaceX later confirmed that the test was successful.
The Super Heavy booster is the most significant and robust rocket ever launched. It is the initial stage of SpaceX’s mega-rocket, propelling the Starship upper stage into orbit.
On Friday, the first stage of SpaceX’s Booster 9 underwent its first static fire test as part of the company’s iterative design methodology. Unfortunately, the fire test ended prematurely after only 2.74 seconds, with four of the rocket’s 33 main Raptor engines either not igniting or shutting down prematurely. It is important to note that this setback will not deter SpaceX’s continued efforts to push the boundaries of space exploration.
Getting systems ready
After the test in early August, the first stage was returned to the production site and equipped with a “hot staging ring.” This new hardware is located between the first stage and the Starship upper stage and allows for a “hot staging” maneuver to occur a few minutes into the flight. During this maneuver, the Starship’s upper-stage engines ignite before the Super Heavy first stage has completed its burn, making it a challenging procedure.
Ahead of Friday’s static fire test, Booster 9 was rolled back to the launch site a few kilometers this week. If additional data reviews verify this performance, SpaceX appears to have completed the last major hardware test needed before a second flight of the Starship launch system. Ship 25, the Starship upper stage expected to fly on this booster, has already undergone a successful static fire test.
In addition, the ground systems for the rocket are in good condition. This was not the case during the rocket’s initial test flight in April, which was unsuccessful due to the absence of a sound suppression system. This resulted in significant damage, including the fracturing of concrete pieces from the launch pad that scattered debris for miles around the Starbase facility in South Texas. Approximately four weeks ago, SpaceX successfully tested a new water deluge and flame deflector installed beneath the Starship launch mount.
Typically, a static fire test like the one completed on Friday is the final practice for a rocket before it takes off. The ground systems and propellant handling are all operated as if it were a typical launch, following procedures that simulate actual flight conditions. This test is an opportunity to ensure that the rocket and ground systems operate as intended.
Still have some paperwork to do
SpaceX is gearing up for its second test flight of the Starship rocket, but there is one more obstacle to overcome – regulatory approval. The company is currently awaiting a launch license from the Federal Aviation Administration. SpaceX submitted a report after their April test flight, which the FAA is reviewing. Once the information is accepted or modified, corrective actions will be implemented to ensure the safety of individuals, property, and wildlife near the launch site in South Texas. The launch site is surrounded by wetlands and the Gulf of Mexico, making safety a top priority.
Although SpaceX has not set a launch target yet for Starship, the second launch could take place in two or three weeks. However, there is always a chance for delays. SpaceX is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration to guarantee a launch compliant with safety standards.