The static fire test of the prototype booster involved 11 of the 33 Raptor engines. Next month, the private company is expected to launch the fully stacked Starship system.
There was a static fire test at the test facility on Tuesday. The test of the Booster 7 prototype was documented by a video crew from NASA Spaceflight. Be sure to crank the volume if you want to watch a replay of the engine starting at 4:20 pm.
The 11 engines that fired were from the booster. The company didn't reveal the total power of the test, but assuming each engine was engaged at full throttle, that equates to over five million pounds of thrust. The engines are expected to produce three times that power. The last static fire test was on November 14.
A test of the booster might be required, according to Musk. It is important to remember that Musk tends to overpromise when it comes to timelines. The first launch of the fully integrated rocket will take place in July, Musk said earlier this year.
The upper stage of the booster is ready to go, as it was tested on September 8. The plan is to launch the fully stacked Starship in December but not complete a full revolution of Earth.
The title of the most powerful rocket in the world is currently held by the SLS, which was launched on November 16. SLS blasted off with over 8 million pounds of thrust, while Starship is expected to launch with over 17 million pounds of thrust.
People and cargo can be launched to space, whether it be to the moon or Mars. The private company is currently under contract with NASA to modify Starship so that it can be used for the Artemis missions to the moon.
The company was awarded a $1.15 billion contract to build a second moon landing.
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