SpaceX Starhopper Bursts Into Flames During Static Fire Test
SpaceX’s new prototype Starhopper survived what appeared to be an explosion during a static fire test on Tuesday, July 16, at the Boca Chica, Texas, launch facility.
According to Astronomy.com, Starhopper had recently undergone the addition of Raptor engines, which were being tested during the static fire test.
After several days of speculation from viewers as to whether or not the spacecraft had been damaged by the fire, Musk quelled rumours on Twitter.
“Post test fuel leak, but no major damage,” he tweeted.
“Big advantage of being made of high strength stainless steel: not bothered by a little heat!” he wrote. Credit: @austinbarnard45 via Storyful
