SpaceX completes successful static fire test of 33-engine Starship booster

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — SpaceX reached a major milestone in the development of its Starship and Super Heavy rocket on Thursday.

The company fired up all but two of the 33 raptor engines that sit at the base of the Starship’s rocket booster in Boca Chica, Texas. That made for a successful static fire test that will help clear the way for an orbital launch attempt.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The company also completed a wet dress rehearsal with its Starship prototype last month.

SpaceX is hoping to launch its prototype as soon as next month.

WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 rocket carrying Spanish communications satellite

Research and development is happening in Texas, but, eventually, Starship is expected to lift off from the Space Coast.

“NASA’s Artemis mission depends on this rocket, this rocket will land our astronauts on the moon, literally, and bring it back home safely … this is the future lunar lander,” Siad Dr. Ken Kremer with Space Upclose. “NASA has been waiting for this test fire as well as everybody else.”

WATCH: SpaceX Dragon seen burning through the sky over Central Florida before splashdown

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group