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SpaceX has static-fired its second-generation Starship upper-stage rocket for the first time in Texas. Footage from local media shows that the test occurred earlier today. It is part of preparations for Starship Flight 7, which can take place in January, according to the latest estimates. The rocket test-fired today is a new variant of the upper-stage spacecraft, and it will fly for the first time on Flight 7.
The rapid pace of Starship Flight 7 preparation tests indicates that if SpaceX is able to secure regulatory approval, then the test might take place before year-end and mark the first time that the world's largest rocket under development flies five times in a calendar year.
SpaceX Test Fires 2nd Gen Starship Second Stage For Eight Seconds In Static Fire Test
Today's static fire occurred three days after SpaceX shipped the upper-stage Starship spacecraft to its Massey test site. Before it built the site this year, Starship second-stage static fires occurred at a mount close to the launch pad. Footage from local media shows that the test began soon after midday local time in Texas and lasted eight seconds, as part of a typical static fire duration.
The test comes just five days after SpaceX test fired the 232-foot-tall Super Heavy booster at the launch pad. Testing the booster at the pad also lets the firm check the water deluge system. Depending on the lessons of the test, Starship Super Heavy might be ready to fly soon as part of Flight 7.
Starship Flight 7 will set the pace for the rest of the rocket's test campaign. Not only will SpaceX attempt to catch the rocket with the launch tower for the third time during the test, but it will also fly the second-generation Starship upper-stage rocket for the first time.
Based on the limited visual footage, the static fired appeared to be successful. SpaceX shares details of its test on social media after they have occurred, so a confirmation can be expected soon. Today's static fire followed the propellant loading of the Starship second-stage, and the fact that the test occurred suggests that SpaceX was confident in the rocket's tank systems.
SpaceX had already conducted tank tests of the rocket before the static fire. Since the engine firing is one of the final tests ahead of launch, Starship Flight 7 will likely occur in January. Starship Flight 6 took place within a month of Flight 5, as it benefited from being approved by the FAA as part of the launch license for Flight 5.
However, since SpaceX will use an upgraded second-stage design for Flight 7, it will require a new launch license from the regulator. Today's static fire followed tank loading tests yesterday. The newer rocket being tested has larger tanks than its predecessors and other upgrades, such as redesigned forward flaps and an upgraded heat shield. SpaceX might also test additional hardware to catch the rocket with the launch tower, and if the upper stage successfully softly splashes down, then Flight 8 might see the firm attempt to catch it with the tower for the first time.
S33 Static Fire today down at the Massey Outpost. Boom! Full stack for Christmas please @SpaceX. pic.twitter.com/CloSPCZlUg
— LabPadre Space (@LabPadre) December 15, 2024
About the author: Ramish is a seasoned technology writer and editor with more than a decade of experience. He specializes in semiconductor fabrication and market analysis. With a background in finance and supply chain management - via his bachelors in Finance and a micromasters in supply chain management from MIT - Ramish combines financial rigor with deep industry insight to deliver accurate and authoritative coverage.
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