SpaceX Successfully Runs Starship Test After Explosion During Earlier Attempt

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SpaceX continues to move towards its second orbital test flight as it conducted an important test earlier today to test the Super Heavy booster's pumps and turbines. This test, called a spin prime test, sees the rocket gush super cool propellants from its engines as they are pumped out without igniting them. The previous Starship booster, which was destroyed during flight, also ran a similar test, and it came with some fireworks that saw a large fireball light up at its bottom. However, SpaceX has learned from experience this time as the test went without a hiccup to allow the firm to check off another item before more important tests, such as a static fire and a potential wet dress rehearsal which are the final few steps before a launch.

The test started at roughly 10:13 am local time after Starship's Super Heavy booster had started venting out its propellants earlier. It lasted for roughly twelve seconds and saw plumes of cold propellants surging from the bottom of the rocket as it appeared that SpaceX had tested several engines on its rocket to ensure that their performance would be up to the mark when it comes to the second Starship orbital test flight.

Upgrades to the Raptor engines are one of the most important on the Starship vehicle after the first flight attempt in April. While most attention during the test was focused on the world's largest rocket doing cartwheels in the air, Starship's engines continued to turn off as it ascended after liftoff.

The engine which powers the rocket, SpaceX's Raptor 2, is a big upgrade over the Merlin engines that power the Falcon 9 regarding