SpaceX
SpaceX begins Starship Flight 8 preparations with Booster static fire
On Sunday, February 9, SpaceX conducted a full-duration static fire test on Booster 15 marking the Starship Flight 8 preparations, which could happen in a month.
A static fire is an engine ignition test on the launch pad, which remains in action for a few seconds. The test helps verify all of the rocket’s internal component functionality as well as ground support before actual flight.
Super Heavy is part of the integrated Starship space vehicle. It is the first stage that sends off the rocket from the ground. This booster combines 33 Raptor engines and generates 7,590 tf of thrust at liftoff.
Starship’s first stage uses sub-cooled liquid methane and liquid oxygen for engine power and has a total propellant capacity of 3,400 tons.
The booster is designed for full reusability and after four prior launch practices, the company caught the booster first time in the air via launch/catch tower arms during Flight 5. However, it failed to recreate this same success with Flight 6.
Several circumstances prevented this catch including the launch tower and chopsticks sensors that were damaged during the liftoff. As a result, the booster conducted a sea splashdown.
Starship Booster Static Fire (Source – SpaceX)
SpaceX made some new improvements and installed better protection that can endure the liftoff thrust as the rocket ascends into Space.
With new changes in the Starship Flight 7 caught the booster for the second time. The upcoming flights will be crucial for Super Heavy Booster to see new improvements in its boostback efficiency, trajectory maintenance, and a safe landing on the launch tower.
On the other hand, the company has a major task in getting everything right with the Ship. Last time, it reached the upper atmosphere but blasted off after a rapid unscheduled dissemble (RUD).
Eventually, its components scattered through the sky as it was captured by many people across the American region.
With this static fire, SpaceX has started a reverse countdown for the Starship Flight 8.
(source)
