SpaceX has successfully test-fired its Starship booster, Booster 12, for the full duration at its Starbase facility in South Texas. This crucial milestone paves the way for the upcoming Test Flight 5, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks as per Elon Musk.
Credit: SpaceX
The test firing, which occurred on Monday, July 15, saw the booster's 33 Raptor engines fire for approximately eight seconds. This test marks a significant achievement for SpaceX, as it showcases the booster's readiness for the upcoming flight.
Booster 12, the Super Heavy booster designated for Flight 5, underwent a series of preparations before the test firing. The booster was rolled out from Mega Bay 1 to the Orbital Launch Site on July 9 and was lifted onto Pad A's orbital launch mount by the Mechazilla "chopstick" arms. Following a partial propellant load and spin prime test, the booster conducted a successful static fire, signaling its readiness for the upcoming mission. Booster 12’s testing started out with a partial propellant load on Thursday, July 11, and may have done testing related to offloading propellant after a catch with the Mechazilla arms. On Friday, July 12, the booster conducted a 33-engine spin prime test. The “spin prime” is when propellants are loaded and the engines’ turbopumps are spun up to flight speed but the engines are not ignited. This was the first spin prime done on a Super Heavy since Booster 9 conducted one in August 2023, possibly to test internal upgrades in the booster or just out of caution to ensure the vehicle is performing properly as there will be a catch attempt on Flight 5. The next step beyond the spin prime was the static fire. A static fire was conducted at 10:13 AM CDT (15:13 UTC) on Monday, July 15, and appeared to be eight seconds long. The booster’s grid fins, used to steer the vehicle through the atmosphere for its recovery at the launch site, were tested by being moved through their range of motion. The ship quick disconnect arm high up on the tower was also moved several times to test its function.
Second section of the Tower 2 at Pad B being lifted up to its place.
Credit: StarshipGazer
Booster 12 appears to have upgrades from previous Super Heavy vehicles. These include a new flight termination system box designed to enable a quick destruction of the rocket in case an anomaly happens. Four Starlink antenna fittings are also present, as well as new “remove before flight” covers for the Raptor boost quick disconnects.
Post its successful test campaign, booster 12 was lifted off of orbit launch table to be rolled back to the production site and get final checkups as well as get the hot stage ring installed. After this, the booster will be rolled back to launch site for full stack test campaign.
The Starship program aims to develop a reusable, two-stage super heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of taking both people and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. With this successful test firing, SpaceX moves one step closer to realizing its ambitious plans for space exploration.
In addition to the booster test, SpaceX has been busy in upgrading the launch tower for a first ever booster catch attempt by chopsticks. SpaceX is also making progress on the construction of Launch Pad B at the Orbital Launch Site. The new pad will enable SpaceX to increase the Starship program's launch cadence and provide a backup option in case of any issues with Pad A. The launch tower's base has been installed, and 2 tower sections of the new tower has been put in place. Parts of upgraded chopstick arm were spotted being transported through the town, tAowards Starbase.
Notably, these tower sections were built in Florida and are being brought in timely manner as SpaceX continues to expand the launch and production facilities at Starbase, Boca chica.
The Next generation Starship Block 2 nose cone with smaller flaps positioned leeward and upgraded heatshield was rolled into High Bay to begin stacking. Credit: StarshipGazer
SpaceX has also filed a request with the FAA to increase the launch cadence from Starbase to 25 Starship system launches, 25 Starship landings, and 25 Super Heavy landings per year. A draft of the tiered environmental assessment is scheduled for public release later this month, with public meetings set for August 13, 15, and 20.
With this successful test firing and the progress being made on Launch Pad B, SpaceX is poised to take a significant leap forward in its Starship program, paving the way for a new era in space exploration.
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