SpaceX didn't exactly test a Super Heavy rocket with 33 Raptor 2 engines - the firing test lasted half as long as planned

SpaceX is preparing for its second attempt to send the Starship rocket system on a test orbital flight. The previous day, the company conducted a firing test of a Super Heavy rocket prototype, but not everything went according to plan.

Here's What We Know

The prototype rocket is called Booster 9. It is equipped with 33 Raptor engines. The fire test took place at SpaceX's South Texas Spaceport, but lasted only 2.74 seconds instead of the planned 5 seconds. In addition, four engines stopped working prematurely.

Despite this, the Super Heavy test cannot be considered a failure. Firstly, Booster 9 successfully survived the test. Secondly, the launch pad was not damaged by fire. For this, SpaceX had to redesign the ground systems and add water cooling.