SpaceX Rapid Fires Raptor Rocket Engine For 34 Quick & Stunning Runs

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SpaceX conducted a set of stunning Raptor engine static fires at its McGregor, Texas, earlier today, through which it fired a single rocket engine more than 30 times. This is the first test of its kind, and it’s likely part of SpaceX’s mantra of pushing its rocket engines to the limit to understand any potential design flaws. Raptor reliability was an early issue with the Starship launch vehicle program, and over the course of successive flights, SpaceX appears to have ironed out the kinds in its design. These engines are among the most powerful in the world, and they are also more efficient than SpaceX’s Merlin engines, which power the Falcon rockets.

SpaceX On Fire – Literally & Figuratively – As It Conducts Rare Raptor Engine Test

Today’s test was the first time that SpaceX pushed its Raptor engine to what might have been the limit of engine startups. Footage from local media in Texas shows that the firm fired up its Raptor rocket engines for an unbelievable 34 times in a span of less than ten minutes.  These 34 test runs followed five successive start ups and firings roughly an hour earlier.

While the objective for these tests will be unclear unless SpaceX shares details, it is possible that the rapid test fires were part of SpaceX’s attempt to stress its engine systems. Testing to failure…