SpaceX Puts Starship Rocket Through 'Static Fire' Test Before Space Flight

I think 2023 has been one of the most fascinating years for space sciences.

For example, I reported that SpaceX launched its second Starship rocket flight in November. The vehicle hit several milestones, including separation, before breaking apart.

A third test is planned soon, as the company has now tested one of its giant rockets before the next Starship launch.

SpaceX conducted a “static fire” test today (Dec. 20) with the Starship upper-stage prototype known as Ship 28, briefly igniting the vehicle’s Raptor engines while it remained anchored to the pad at the company’s Starbase site in South Texas…