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At approximately 12:30 p.m. CST (UTC-6), the SpaceX Starship prototype serial number 9 (SN9) fired its Raptor engines for the second time, followed by another Raptor ignition at 2:22 p.m. and a third at around 3:37 p.m.
All three tests were extremely brief, mirroring SN9’s first static fire, which ended earlier than SpaceX expected on January 6. Ultimately, however, the brief static fires were apparently intentional according to a cryptic comment made by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shortly after the first.
Most importantly, this is the first time already that SpaceX completed – or even attempted – two static Starship fires in a single day, let alone two in as many hours. On its own, the fact that SpaceX was ready to attempt two static fires in two hours already serves to confirm that the first test was successful, as the company would certainly not risk vehicle failure by doubling down on a failed or aborted test unless ‘she could not immediately determine the root cause.
For Musk, SpaceX “trains to start engines [today]”, So far, resulting in three” departures “. This description reflects the extremely short static fires seen today. The need for specific ignition related testing on SN9 also seems to imply that the Starship’s first test may have ended prematurely due to an ignition issue with the Raptor.
Finally, less than 90 minutes after the second static fire of the day, Starship SN9 triggered one or more of its three Raptor engines for the third time around 3:37 p.m. Musk quickly confirmed that the third successful (or at least non-destructive) static shot was over.
Most Recently Reported Musk that SpaceX now detanks SN9 to secure the mat and vehicle for inspections. If these inspections ultimately conclude that Starship SN9 and its three Raptors are in good shape after an unprecedented day full of static fire testing, SpaceX could easily spin the rocket for a 12.5 km (7.8 mile) launch attempt. mi) from June 14 or 15. .
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