On August 25, 2023, SpaceX conducted a significant milestone test for its next-generation Starship rocket by performing a full-duration static fire of the massive Super Heavy Booster 9 at its Texas test facilities.
The test, which took place at SpaceX’s Starbase site in Boca Chica, saw all 33 of the booster’s Raptor engines ignited for roughly 6 seconds. This marked the first time SpaceX fired up the full complement of Raptor engines on Super Heavy simultaneously.
During the static fire, the engines generated an immense 7.9 million pounds of thrust, equivalent to over 3,600 metric tons of force. All readings from the test appeared normal, paving the way for the next major step in Starship’s development.
Super Heavy Booster 9 is a critical piece of the Starship system, which SpaceX hopes will one day transport cargo and people to destinations like the Moon and Mars. As the first stage, Super Heavy will propel the upper Starship spacecraft into orbit.
To get to this point, SpaceX has steadily tested and developed Super Heavy over the past year. Earlier single-engine tests led to firing up subsets of Raptors until now, with all 33 engines roaring to life together on the launch stand.
The successful long-duration static fire brings SpaceX closer to the first orbital launch attempt of the integrated Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster. This launch debut is tentatively targeted for late 2023 or early 2024 from Starbase.
Before that milestone launch, SpaceX will conduct a critical wet dress rehearsal test. This will involve fully fueling the Super Heavy and Starship, without igniting the engines, to verify launch operations.
With the Starship system, SpaceX aims to make human spaceflight more affordable and accessible than ever before. The powerful rocket is central to plans for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond in the years ahead. This latest successful static fire is a major leap toward realizing that vision.
