ALBAWABA - In a remarkable feat of engineering, SpaceX recently executed a ground-based test firing of the upper stage of its Starship rocket. The testing site was SpaceX's facility in Boca Chica, Texas, the very site where the Super Heavy and Starship made their historic inaugural flight back in April.
During the test, one of the six Raptor engines on the Starship roared to life for a thrilling six-second demonstration of its capabilities. Notably, the Super Heavy rocket retains its title as the most potent spacecraft ever launched, boasting an estimated thrust of about 17 million pounds.
The upper stage of Starship, intentionally designed for reusability, is set to utilize its Raptor engines for precisely controlled out-of-orbit maneuvers when returning to Earth or descending onto other cosmic bodies. NASA has expressed keen interest in a modified version of this upper stage for a potential mission aimed at delivering two astronauts to the Moon by 2025. Nevertheless, the establishment of a firm timeline is contingent on thorough testing.
Following an incident in April, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated that SpaceX undertake a total of 63 corrective measures before embarking on its second test flight. Despite SpaceX's claim of readiness, the FAA is yet to provide the green light for the launch. With the aerospace community and enthusiasts worldwide eagerly awaiting this pivotal test flight, all eyes are on SpaceX as they continue their ambitious quest, eagerly anticipating the next phase of Starship's celestial journey.
