Earlier at the moment, SpaceX partially fueled Booster 9, persevering with a collection of checks earlier than its eventual static hearth check.

For the spin prime check, the rocket was loaded with super-chilled liquid oxygen and flowed by way of the Raptor engines’ turbopumps that simulate firing the engines only one step wanting really lighting them. Throughout the check FireX, comprised of water and nitrogen, is first triggered to disperse gases and forestall any unintended ignitions just like the one which occurred through the Booster 7 spin prime check.

Booster 9 accomplished a flight-like chill and spin of the Raptor engine pumps prematurely of static hearth pic.twitter.com/wO1ZQ9aiao

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 4, 2023

After a couple of seconds of the FireX flowing, SpaceX initiated the movement of liquid oxygen by way of the Raptor engines. It was seemingly all 33 engines. Nonetheless, it’s unconfirmed at this second.

SpaceX groups will now analyze information from the check and transfer ahead with the primary firing of engines on the launch pad because the Built-in Check Flight in April 2023. The static hearth check might come as quickly as subsequent week.

SpaceX additionally not too long ago carried out two checks of the launch pad deluge system that was put in to stop the problems that occurred through the IFT. The primary check was solely a partial movement check after which adopted up with a formidable full movement check.

Further view of Starship flame deflector check pic.twitter.com/fOLVfAZVZ2

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2023

These checks present a formidable velocity in repairing and upgrading the launch pad following the Built-in Flight Check, and we might be seeing the flight check inside a month or two so long as SpaceX can clear the launch with FAA.

Do you assume we’ll see a launch inside the subsequent couple of months, or will different points forestall the launch of Starship till later within the 12 months or maybe 2024?

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SpaceX performs Booster 9 engine check forward of static hearth