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SpaceX V3 Starship performs a static-fire with 6 Raptor 3 engines

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3 months ago

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SpaceX Starship V3 performing full-duration static-fire test

SpaceX has successfully performed the first static-fire on V3 Starship, firing its Raptor 3 engines in full swing on the test site without any damage.

The rocket maker has confirmed that Ship 39, the latest version of the launch candidate for Starship Test Flight 12, has successfully conducted the all-engine burn test.

What’s important is that the Ship 39 was equipped with 6 Raptor 3 engines, SpaceX’s next-gen rocket engine family. These new engines are designed for space efficiency, bringing mass savings to improve the payload capacity of the rocket.

SpaceX Starship performing full-duration static-fire test

SpaceX Starship performing full-duration static-fire test (Source – SpaceX)

One of the most striking features of the Raptor 3 is its design; its size efficiency comes from a clean build, which simplifies the assembly. Users online have praised the engine’s design since day one, and comparing it to the Raptor 2 family reveals a major difference. With size and mass advantage, the Raptor 3 also boosts more thrust to the rocket than its predecessor.

The Ship 39 has V3 upgrades such as improved propellant tanks, better flaps, and heat shield tiles. The past month has been quite tiresome for the SpaceX team, since it blew up the previous version during a tank pressurization test. However, Ship 39 has performed well so far.

Talking about the static fire, the V3 Starship 39 has carried out the test for about 60 seconds, that’s a full duration. SpaceX usually performs a 10-15 second static fire on the rocket. However, this is the first time they’ve ignited these new engines, which makes it necessary to push the new assembly to the limits.

Next, we might see a single-engine relight for its space operations. However, we’ll have to wait for that to happen. Once cleared, the Ship 39 will be combined with a new V3 booster to launch the Starship Flight 12 test somewhere in May, as predicted by SpaceX Founder and CEO, Elon Musk.

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Mannoo specializes in Generative AI, Large Language Model (LLM), and Aerospace Science. Prior to delving into these fields, he was a Python programmer, a game designer, and an Android and iOS app developer with over 5 years of experience. He has prior writing experience in creative writing about smartphones and technology before working at Eonmsk.com. You can explore his X/TWitter and LinkedIn pages or contact him through his email.

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