Hello and welcome back to Max Q!
In this issue:
- 31 engines make fire
- A mission for Blue Origin’s New Glenn
- News from Rocket Lab, Seraphim and more
SpaceX conducted a full-duration static fire test of Starship’s Super Heavy Booster
The long-awaited static fire test of Starship’s Super Heavy Booster took place last week, with SpaceX managing to fire 31 Raptor 2 engines at full duration. It’s the most engines they’ve ever fired at once, and the most powerful rocket engine firing in history, period.
According to SpaceX, the test produced 7.9 million lbf of thrust, which is less than half (!!!) of the booster’s capability.
This was the final major test before launch. But that doesn’t mean the way is completely clear: SpaceX is still waiting on the launch license from the U.S. Fe...
