Watch SpaceX Ignite Super Heavy Booster in Thrilling Prep for Starship’s 10th Test Flight!

SpaceX is preparing for another flight of its Starship megarocket, just a week and a half after the last launch. On June 6, the company conducted a static fire test at its Starbase facility in South Texas. During this test, all 33 Raptor engines of the Super Heavy booster ignited successfully.

This test is crucial for the next launch, which will mark the 10th flight of a fully stacked Starship— a Super Heavy booster topped with the upper stage known as Ship.

The previous flight, Flight 9, took off from Starbase on May 27. This launch was significant because it featured a reused Super Heavy booster. This particular booster first flew in January during Flight 7 and was caught by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms after returning. However, for Flight 9, SpaceX decided against a recovery attempt. Instead, the company opted for a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, prioritizing safety.

Unfortunately, the booster broke apart about 6.5 minutes after launch during its landing burn. The upper stage, Ship, also faced challenges; it reached space on a suborbital trajectory but began tumbling 30 minutes into the flight. As a result, SpaceX lost contact with Ship approximately 46 minutes after liftoff. Its remnants likely now rest on the Indian Ocean floor.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the events of Flight 9. The next flight cannot proceed until this inquiry is resolved and the FAA is satisfied with the findings.

According to a recent study by NASA, reusing rocket components like the Super Heavy booster could lower launch costs by up to 30%. This could revolutionize space travel, making it more accessible. With ongoing developments, enthusiasts and experts are keeping a close eye on SpaceX’s progress as the team works toward refining their technology and overcoming past challenges.

As space exploration continues to advance, the future of missions like Starship is both exciting and essential. Experts believe that successful landings and recoveries will be critical in shaping the next era of space travel.

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