SpaceX fires Starship Raptor engines before fourth test flight

SpaceX has launched a static fire of all six Raptor engines on its Starship spacecraft and published a video of the test on social media.

Here's What We Know

Starship remained on Earth.

This static fire took place before the fourth test flight of the rocket, which consists of the Super Heavy first stage, the world's most powerful upper stage, and the Starship spacecraft.

Full-duration static fire of all six Raptor engines on Flight 4 Starship pic.twitter.com/HzS4SeaoEV

- SpaceX (@SpaceX) 25 March 2024

Starship launches its rocket engines after separation from the heavy booster. One of the key functions of these engines is to guide and decelerate the spacecraft during a vertical landing on Earth or other celestial bodies. Starship successfully completed such a landing during testing in 2021.

SpaceX collects data from each test mission to further improve flight systems.

Upon successful completion of all tests, the Starship rocket will carry a crew and cargo for further space exploration.

Source: Digital Trends