[ad_1]
Spaceship fireworks
SpaceX fired all three rocket engines in its Starship SN8 prototype for the second time last night at its test facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
The event was a powerful explosion of orange smoke – and flying sparks, as captured by spectators on video.
Static fire
SN8 also became the first Starship prototype to perform a static fire test with a nose. Its first static fire test with three Raptor engines on October 20 did not feature a stainless steel dome.
The event was the second of several upcoming static fire tests leading up to the prototype’s planned test flight at an altitude of nine miles or 50,000 feet. Although the static fire test was successful, it is still unclear when SN8 will take off.
Videos from last night’s test show, sparks flying after ignition. SN8 survived the event, but we have not yet discovered the cause of the fireworks. Insiders suggest it could be pieces of the platform itself, as Teslarati reports.
Stackable rockets
Starship, standing 165 feet on its own, will eventually make its way through space using a massive Super Heavy thruster – another 230 feet tall – which will feature around 30 rocket motors. The company headed by Elon Musk has already laid the groundwork for building the first prototype booster.
READ MORE: SpaceX’s Starship SN8 prototype fires engines for the second time [Space.com]
Learn more about Starship: A test flight of the spacecraft at 50,000 feet could take place as early as next week
[ad_2]
Source link