SpaceX
SpaceX Starship 5 Booster completes static fire, watch videos
SpaceX has conducted a static fire test on a Super Heavy booster for the upcoming Starship 5 test flight and ensured that the rocket is ready for the next showdown.
A static fire is a pre-launch test that helps to verify engine functionality and ignition without lifting off from the launch pad. This test is conducted with real engine ignition for a few seconds duration.
It also allows the launch team to measure tank pressure, temperature, propellant-flow gradient as well as other key parameters. Super Heavy is the first stage in the Starship integrated vehicle. It equips 33 Raptor engines to thrust up the spacecraft and send it into space.
SpaceX Starship 5 Booster Performing Static Fire Test (Source – SpaceX)
Super Heavy is designed to be reusable. In the past four tests, the company has achieved precision in stage separation, maneuvering, trajectory maintenance, and landing burn for the booster.
With the next flight, SpaceX will attempt to land the first stage on the launch tower. This new aim wouldn’t have been possible without the success of the 4th flight. However, it would be crucial to put that ocean landing data right into play with the 5th flight.
Unlike the booster, the company will refrain from landing the spacecraft on the tower. Instead, it will first have to master reentry and then target landing.
Speaking about the Starship 5 booster test, the video footage uploaded by SpaceX shows the water deluge system pouring down on the orbital launch pad, a second before engine ignition.
Soon after, those 33 Raptors fired up and remained in action for about 8 seconds. The company has shared this test from three different angles and you can check them here.
Full duration static fire of Flight 5 Super Heavy booster pic.twitter.com/8rF9KUdMUD
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 15, 2024
Launch Date?
Previous report reveals that we’re just 3-4 weeks away from the Starship 5 liftoff and the earliest possibility to see this event is the first week of August.
