Enlarge / The Solar glints across the decrease fin of Starship SN8 on Dec. 9, 2020. (credit score: Trevor Mahlmann )
On Wednesday, in South Texas, SpaceX fired up its latest Starship prototype not a few times. Moderately, engineers and technicians fueled and take a look at fired their SN9 prototype and its Raptor rocket engines thrice in lower than 4 hours.
After the primary of three exams, SpaceX founder and chief engineer mentioned on Twitter, “Right now at SpaceX is about training Starship engine begins. Ship is held down by huge pins whereas engines are fired.” After the third take a look at, Musk confirmed that every one three exams had been accomplished with out a main problem.
Performing three exams like this in speedy succession is a notable achievement, and it factors to maturing spaceship {hardware}, floor techniques, and procedures for SpaceX’s Starship launch program. Musk mentioned the aim is to succeed in some extent the place one may “hop in and go” to Mars. Such a functionality stays years into the longer term, whether it is ever realized. However the firm seems to be making progress towards a strong launch system.
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