SpaceX performed yesterday (06/01) tests on the three engines of the Starship SN9 prototype, the test was carried out at 17:07 pm in South Texas. The tests are part of a verification routine before each flight, the engines are activated however the prototype does not move as it is stuck in the ground.
SpaceX plans to fly prototype #9 soon, the schedule is to perform a similar flight to prototype #8 made last month. Despite the landing not being successful, prototype nº8 achieved all the goals that SpaceX had set.
SpaceX created the Starship project with the aim of being able to transport people and cargo into space, and be able to perform safe landings in places such as the Moon, Mars and other planets.
The prototype is also being prepared to be the company's main rocket and consequently assume all missions. The system consists of two elements: a 165-foot-tall (50-meter) spacecraft being the Starship and a giant first-stage booster known as the Super Heavy.
Both Starship and Super Heavy will be fully and quickly reusable according to SpaceX. The Super Heavy will return to Earth for vertical landings after putting the Starship aloft, as the first stages of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets already do.
For the time being, Spacecraft will fly from Earth to Mars and other designated locations. For this, the Ship will need the Super Heavy with 30 engines to be able to fly off Earth. According to SpaceX, a Spacecraft with only 6 engines will be able to take off from the Moon and Mars.
The SN9 test may not be the only one done before the flight, No. 8 performed at least 4 tests before the flight.
Source: Space.com
