SpaceX, the company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has successfully conducted a key test of its Starship rocket system.
During the test, known as a "static fire," 31 out of 33 engines of the giant spacecraft were simultaneously ignited but clamped in place to prevent any movement.
The firing only lasted a few seconds but was still notable for the number of engines working in unison.
The static fire took place at SpaceX's research and development facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
Views from drone of Booster 7's static fire test pic.twitter.com/KN4sk1nohf
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 9, 2023
If the starship system can be made to work, it will have the potential to revolutionise space travel, with the capability to send satellites and people into Earth orbit and beyond.
The fully reusable design, with both the Super Heavy booster and the ship on top coming back to Earth, could operate like an airliner and result in long-term cost savings compared to conventional, one-time-use rockets.
Elon Musk has high hopes for the vehicle, with aspirations to use it for interplanetary travel, including the colonization of Mars. SpaceX will now analyze its data and inspect the launch pad to understand why it couldn't fire all 33 engines and to check for any damage from the short firing.