SpaceX Starhopper rocket makes its first untethered hop

Posted on Friday, July 26 2019 @ 13:50 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
SpaceX succesfully tested its Starhopper rocket, this time for the first time without a cable, in Boca Chica, Texas. Equipped with a single Raptor methane engine, the rocket reached the planned altitude of 20 meters. Within a week or two, SpaceX will attempt to hit an altitude of 200 meters. A day earlier, the test got aborted just seconds into the attempt after a malfunction.

Starhopper will be used to test the new Raptor engine and to perfect vertical landings. Future versions will receive three rockets, it's a small-scale prototype intended to test the technologies that will power the Starship spacecraft, which will get six Raptor engines, and its Super Heavy booster, which will feature 35 Raptor engines.



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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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