Earlier today, SpaceX partially fueled Booster 9, continuing a series of tests before its eventual static fire test.
For the spin prime test, the rocket was loaded with super-chilled liquid oxygen and flowed through the Raptor engines’ turbopumps that simulate firing the engines only one step short of truly lighting them. Through the test FireX, comprised of water and nitrogen, is first triggered to disperse gases and forestall any unintended ignitions just like the one which occurred in the course of the Booster 7 spin prime test.
Booster 9 accomplished a flight-like chill and spin of the Raptor engine pumps upfront of static fire pic.twitter.com/wO1ZQ9aiao
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 4, 2023
After a couple of seconds of the FireX flowing, SpaceX initiated the flow of liquid oxygen through the Raptor engines. It was likely all 33 engines. Nonetheless, it’s unconfirmed at this moment.
SpaceX teams will now analyze data from the test and move forward with the primary firing of engines on the launch pad for the reason that Integrated Test Flight in April 2023. The static fire test could come as soon as next week.
SpaceX also recently conducted two tests of the launch pad deluge system that was installed to stop the problems that occurred in the course of the IFT. The primary test was only a partial flow test after which followed up with a formidable full flow test.
Additional view of Starship flame deflector test pic.twitter.com/fOLVfAZVZ2
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2023
These tests show a formidable speed in repairing and upgrading the launch pad following the Integrated Flight Test, and we could possibly be seeing the flight test inside a month or two so long as SpaceX can clear the launch with FAA.
Do you’re thinking that we are going to see a launch inside the following couple of months, or will other issues prevent the launch of Starship until later within the yr or perhaps 2024?