Mary - @BocaChicaGal on Twitter.com
Almost four hours ago, the lone Raptor engine on the Starhopper prototype ignited for a few seconds at the SpaceX launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. This static fire test occurred after about two weeks of testing at the launch facility...where Starhopper underwent at least five wet dress rehearsals that involved loading the booster with methane (which fuels the Raptor engine) and then detanking afterwards. Starhopper's three legs were tethered to the ground—ensuring that the test rocket would only lift slightly off the ground instead of becoming fully airborne.
Elon Musk / SpaceX
It is not yet known when the next engine test for Starhopper will take place...but one thing's for sure: the Starship and Super Heavy, which combine into the vehicle formerly known as the Big Falcon Rocket, moved one step (or hop) closer to reality. Stay tuned.
The photo at the very top of this entry and the video below are credited to BocaChicaGal and NASASpaceflight.com, respectively.
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