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SpaceX Conducts Test Fire of New Starship Second Stage Before Upcoming Flight 7

SpaceX Conducts Test Fire of New Starship Second Stage Before Upcoming Flight 7

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Successful Static Fire Marks Progress for SpaceX’s Starship

In a significant development for its ambitious space program, SpaceX has successfully conducted the first static fire test of its second-generation Starship upper-stage rocket in Texas. Local media captured the event earlier today, marking a pivotal step in the preparations for Starship Flight 7, which is anticipated to launch in January based on current timelines.

The swift execution of tests for Starship Flight 7 suggests that, if regulatory approvals are secured, the launch could occur as early as the end of this year. This would set a groundbreaking milestone, as it would be the first instance of the world’s largest rocket undergoing five flight tests within a single calendar year.

Details of the Static Fire Test

The static fire test took place three days after the upper stage was transported to the Massey test site, a facility specifically built for such operations. Prior to this, static fire tests were conducted closer to the launch pad. Today’s test, which lasted eight seconds—an expected duration for such procedures—started shortly after noon local time.

This successful static fire follows just five days after the test firing of the 232-foot-tall Super Heavy booster at the launch pad, an essential test that also validated the water deluge system. Depending on the outcomes from these tests, preparations for launching Starship Super Heavy could advance swiftly in conjunction with Flight 7.

What to Expect from Starship Flight 7

Starship Flight 7 is poised to set an important precedent for future launches in SpaceX’s testing campaign. During this flight, SpaceX plans to attempt to catch the rocket with the launch tower for the third time, while simultaneously debuting the second-generation Starship upper stage.

Starship at the Massey test pad
Starship arrives at the Massey test pad at Starbase, Texas. Image: SpaceX

Initial footage from the static fire test indicates a successful ignition. SpaceX typically shares detailed updates on their tests via social media, so further confirmation of the test’s success is expected shortly. The static fire was preceded by propellant loading, suggesting that SpaceX has a high level of confidence in the rocket’s tank systems.

Prior to the static fire, SpaceX conducted thorough tank tests. Given that the engine firing is one of the final preparatory actions before launch, it is likely that Starship Flight 7 will take place in January. Flight 6 succeeded in being launched just one month after Flight 5, leveraging an expedited approval process from the FAA.

However, due to the upgrades to the second-stage design planned for Flight 7, SpaceX will need to secure a new launch license from regulatory authorities. Today’s static fire test followed the completion of tank loading tests conducted the previous day. Notably, the newer upper stage features larger fuel tanks and several enhancements, including redesigned forward flaps and an improved heat shield. SpaceX may also test additional hardware designed to catch the rocket with the launch tower, and if successful, it could lay the groundwork for a dramatic attempt in Flight 8 to capture it during a soft splashdown.

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