SpaceX completes 33-engine Super Heavy test for Starship Flight 15

(SpaceEnergy) SpaceX has completed a full-duration static firing of all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster preparing for Starship's 15th flight, advancing propulsion testing ahead of the next mission.

The company confirmed the test on 25 October, publishing video footage of the booster firing its engines while secured to the launch mount.

The firing took place at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas, where the company develops, tests and launches its reusable Starship transportation system.

Super Heavy uses 33 Raptor engines burning cryogenic liquid methane and liquid oxygen. The third-generation Raptor design incorporates improvements to thrust, engine mass, ignition systems and thermal protection.

SpaceX specifies a sea-level thrust rating of 250 tonnes-force for each Raptor 3 engine, compared with 230 tonnes-force for its predecessor.

The completed firing represents a new ground-testing milestone for the booster assigned to Flight 15, rather than a demonstration of flight performance.

SpaceX did not disclose detailed engine performance measurements or individual thrust readings in its announcement.

The company is developing Starship for reusable orbital transportation, satellite deployment, in-space propellant transfer and lunar exploration.