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Just before 8 pm On Wednesday, SpaceX ground crews in Boca Chica conducted the first test of the Raptor rocket engine on the Hopper Hopper spacecraft.
About half an hour later, Elon Musk, CEO and lead designer of the company, released a spectacular video of the successful test, which briefly dramatically illuminated the launch site. He tweeted: "Starhopper has finished hops attached.All systems are green."
Ice had delayed the first engine start and the prototype's first jump to the SpaceX launch / test site at Boca Chica Beach, according to a Musk tweet.
In a tweet on April 2, he spoke more specifically about the reasons for ice formation in the cryogenic propellant, explaining why the truncated prototype had not started and had not left the ground. Musk did not specify, but said he hoped the problem would be resolved quickly. This resolution came last night.
Meanwhile, Judge Eddie Trevino Jr., of Cameron County, described any inconvenience to residents of the closure of roads and beaches during the tests as "growing pains", and said he understood that SpaceX could suspend tests on the site up to 60 days after the start of the current round. Completed. The company has not confirmed a specific schedule once the current test objectives are completed.
On March 8, the Starship Hopper was transported from the SpaceX site to the launch site approximately 8 km to the east, for verification of new ground systems and a "short static fire test". its unique Raptor engine powered by liquid oxygen and methane.
All eyes are on SpaceX Boca Chica since the end of December when Musk first posted on Twitter a rudimentary rocket coated with stainless steel, under construction, especially since Cameron County has Closed SH 4 and Boca Chica Beach several hours a day during the last three weeks for tests.
The glossy top of the hopper, which gives the unit a classic, vintage / futuristic look, was damaged by strong winds in January and was not replaced after being deemed non-essential.
Until Wednesday, testing had not progressed beyond refueling the hopper, venting liquid oxygen and burning methane while the ground crew was trying to solve the problem. The company said earlier this month that the first jumps would be tied and not visible off-site.
The hops of the current prototype will be suborbital, although an orbital version is under construction in Boca Chica. The last Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy super-propeller, once built, will neutralize the test vehicle perched at Boca Chica. SpaceX wants the Starship / Super Heavy to transport humans to Mars in the not-too-distant future.
The initial SpaceX projects included up to 12 commercial launches a year from Boca Chica, accompanied by the closure of S.H. 4 and Boca Chica. The new focus on testing and prototyping, however, has involved several days of consecutive testing and more frequent closures than originally planned.
Trevino said the conditions still allow Cameron County, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas General Land Office to authorize the closure of SH 4 and Boca Chica Beach during SpaceX operations to protect the health and safety of the company. public.
"It's always in the settings," he said. "We are in contact with GLO and SpaceX to find out if something needs to be updated."
Trevino said he regretted that some inconvenience is hampering the situation, but he also asked the public to be patient and understanding, saying it would ultimately be better for Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.
"Now they build, assemble and test," he said. "Their mission has expanded and I think it's great. … We are just trying to pass this stage of testing. "
Given the complexity and forward-thinking nature of what SpaceX is doing to Boca Chica, it should come as no surprise that the tests are taking longer than expected, Trevino said, adding that in the interests of security you could not rush things like that.
"They are testing all kinds of pieces," he said. "It's rocket science."
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