Cheers resounded at the SpaceX launch facility located in Boca Chica Texas, where the company is working on the upcoming Starship rocket, which could power future missions in the future.
The prototype, which is known under the name of Starhopper, underwent an initial test and managed to pass it with flying colors. The engineers started the fire engine, allowed the rocket to reach an altitude of 60 feet and guided it back to earth where it landed at a small distance from the initial blast-off point.
During the launch time, the smoke generated by the engines enveloped the rocket in a thick layer, hiding most details. When the smoke cleared, the rocket was back on the ground, making the test a success. A small incident occurred as the intense heat emitted by the rocket engines started a fire in the proximity of the launch pad.
SpaceX Starship rocket passes the first untethered flight test
The test is the first one in a series of evaluations which aim to the test the limits of the rockets, allowing engineers to tackle potential challenges and improve the design to maximize the true potential of the futuristic vehicle. Starship offers an impressive vista, as it looks like a spacecraft which can be found between the pages of a science-fiction novel. It is shaped like a bullet which sports a stainless steel jacket, and it will reach a height of almost 200 feet.
The Starhopper is considerably smaller. Powerful winds removed the nose cone in January, and the first test took place without the accessory. It will be included in future endeavors as the nose protects the valuable payload and deflects the powerful aerodynamic forces which are encountered during high-altitude tests.
The test was scheduled for last week, but a small fire which took place on the Launchpad led to a delay. SpaceX decided to perform an in-depth verification before a second attempt was approved. Many are looking forward to the results of future tests, as Starship will play an important role in upcoming projects.
Jasmine holds a Master’s in Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto and writes professionally in a broad variety of genres. She has worked as a senior manager in public relations and communications for major telecommunication companies, and is the former Deputy Director for Media Relations with the Modern Coalition. Jasmine writes primarily in our LGBTTQQIAAP and Science section.