SpaceX’s third SN8 spacecraft on fixed shots did not go as planned

SpaceX recently performed its third constant-fire test on its Starship SN8 prototype. The test saw the missile refuel as if it were about to leave, then the engines fired for a few seconds while the spacecraft remained attached to the ground. While the other two constant fire tests went as planned, this time around there were problems.

Reports indicate that when turning on the engines, it was possible to see material dripping from the base of the prototype, which is abnormal for testing and indicates a problem. Fortunately for SpaceX, the spacecraft was not lost. CEO Elon Musk confirmed there were problems with testing.

Via Twitter, Musk noticed that the car lost pressure. He also pointed out that at the time the team had no idea why the problem occurred. Musk noticed that the pressure of the liquid oxygen head tank was increasing and there was a possibility that the spacecraft would explode. However, Musk hoped the explosive tablet would relieve the pressure.

Musk later tweeted that the explosive disc was working as expected and the car looked fine. In a subsequent tweet, he indicated that at least one engine on the SN8 prototype needed to be replaced. Musk also dealt with the sparks that some observers saw during the test.

He said the sparks were most likely due to melting of the pre-engine or hot gas manifold. He indicated that the source of the sparks was the cause of the leak. It has been noted that this problem needs to be solved at the design level. Ultimately, the Starship will be the next generation rocket that will bring supplies and crew to the Moon and possibly Mars. The SN8 is the first prototype to feature a three-engine Raptor. All previous models had only one engine.