SpaceX has successfully conducted a fire test of the Starship S37 spacecraft. It will be used in the tenth test of the super-heavy rocket.
The tested spacecraft belongs to the second modification of Starship (Starship Block 2). So far, it cannot boast of any particular successes. The first two flights followed the same scenario, with the spacecraft destroyed in the skies over the Caribbean Sea. During the third flight, Starship managed to reach the stage of engine shutdown. However, the spacecraft was unable to deploy its cargo of eight Starlink satellite simulators and suffered a fuel leak, resulting in a loss of control. As a result, it disintegrated in the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean.
Another Starship of this modification exploded during firing, damaging the launch pad. As a result, SpaceX had to significantly adjust its plans and postpone the new flight for more than a month.
This time, Starship’s burn test was a success. Now the company has to conduct a test fire of the Super Heavy booster. It will then be integrated with Starship and prepared for launch. The new flight is expected to take place in mid-August.
It should be noted that SpaceX is already actively working on a new modification of Starship Block 3, which is generating considerable anticipation. The company hopes to launch it for the first time before the end of this year.
