SpaceX completes static for Starship Flight 8 upper stage

SpaceX has completed the static fire for the upper stage to prepare for Starship Flight 8, which could happen later this month. A static fire is a pre-launch test that helps to find and ensure the launch vehicle’s functionality.

Usually, this test lasts a few seconds but for Flight 8, the company has extended the engine burn for about a minute. During this test, the company tested new hardware and cycled the six Raptor engines through multiple thrust levels to recreate different conditions seen within the propulsion system during flight.

This engine burn will enable the company to upgrade the ship’s hardware and flight profile before the launch vehicle goes into the air.

SpaceX conducts Starship flight 8 upper stage static fire at Starbase

During Flight 7, the integrated launch vehicle successfully lifted off from the ground and performed hot staging. Subsequently, the booster maintained its trajectory and returned to the launch site for a vertical catch by the launch/catch tower arms.

On the other hand, the upper stage started its engines and led the flight into upper orbit. However, the stage soon failed to complete the initial burn and experienced a rapid dissemble.

You should know that SpaceX used a next-gen ship for this flight for the first time. The ship is being tuned for this new flight test and after this crucial static fire, the company can prepare it to overcome the past flight’s issues.

Watch the Flight 8 upper-stage static fire test here.