SpaceX to Conduct Full Static Fire Test of Starship's Super Heavy Booster Tomorrow

Yesterday, SpaceX’s president and chief operating officer, Gwynne Shotwell, announced that the company is on the verge of a significant milestone in its development of the Starship launch system. According to Shotwell, the company will conduct a full "static fire" test tomorrow, which will involve igniting all 33 Raptor 2 engines on the Super Heavy booster at once.

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A Crucial Step Towards Orbital Launch

The static fire test is a critical step in preparing the Starship system for its first orbital launch. If the test is successful and no major issues arise, SpaceX could attempt the inaugural orbital launch of Starship within the next month. This achievement would mark a significant milestone in the development of reusable spacecraft technology.

Recent Progress and Future Plans

The announcement comes just over two weeks after Starship’s "wet dress rehearsal," which involved loading both the upper stage and booster with propellant and simulating a countdown to around T-10 seconds. The success of the static fire test will pave the way for the orbital flight test, which is expected to be a critical step towards establishing Starship as a reliable and reusable spacecraft.

Ambitious Plans for the Future

SpaceX’s founder and CEO, Elon Musk, has long expressed his ambitions to extend human civilization through the Solar System. Shotwell echoed these sentiments during her comments yesterday, suggesting that the company could land people on Mars around 2030. However, she also acknowledged that hundreds of Starship flights would be required before carrying people to orbit.

Meeting NASA’s Artemis Program Requirements

SpaceX is contracted to land humans on the moon using a modified Starship landing system as part of NASA’s Artemis program. The company has also received additional funding from NASA, valued at $1.15 billion, for a second crewed Starship mission. Private customers, including Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, have also booked Starship flights.

SpaceX’s Goal to Build Starships Daily

Shotwell emphasized that SpaceX’s ultimate goal is to build a Starship rocket every day. This ambitious target is built into the design of the spacecraft, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing reusable and cost-effective launch technology.

Discussion on Starlink Internet Broadband Service

During her comments yesterday, Shotwell also discussed SpaceX’s Starlink internet broadband business. The service has made headlines in recent months for its role in supporting Ukrainian troops during their conflict with Russia. However, Shotwell clarified that the service was not intended to be used as a weapon.

Key Role of Starlink in Ukraine

At the end of January, Musk confirmed that Starlink had become the connectivity backbone of Ukraine’s war effort, providing essential internet services up to the front lines.