Ship 29 roared to life one more at Starbase, taking the SpaceX fourth flight test one step closer.

SpaceX ignited a single Raptor engine CT, but this time it used the header tank, which is situated close to the top of the spaceship, to fuel the potent rocket motor.

This is in line with the course that SpaceX took with Ship 28. Even though the rocket is currently flying on sub-orbital test trajectories, the corporation said that the purpose of the test was to recreate the spacecraft’s de-orbit burn.

After this test is over, SpaceX will return Ship 29 to the manufacturing facility so it can complete its last preparations before taking off in a few months. The ship only lost a few heat shield tiles in the last two static fires, which will be restored. Only a few tiles were lost, and overall tile performance was better than on prior ships. The six Raptor engines as well as the overall system will be checked out by the SpaceX team.

The business will now transfer Booster 11 from the construction site to the orbital launch mount and start the prelaunch test program, which will end with at least one static fire of all 33 Raptor engines, given that the launch site is free.

The campaign for Booster 11 will essentially take Ship 29’s route. After making sure the test’s data is accurate, SpaceX will probably load the booster with fuel and run a spin prime test, which simulates ignition by quickly running super-chilled liquid oxygen through the engines. Next, they’ll probably run a static fire test.

Even though SpaceX has now completed two launches with all 33 engines ramping up to full power prior to lift-off without any damage thanks to the potent water suppression system that was installed following the first integrated flight test, the massive boosters keep their engines running at about 50% power during their static fire tests in order to avoid causing any unnecessary damage to the launch pad.

SpaceX intends to return Booster 11 to the production site for final checkouts following the completion of the static fire test campaign. After that, the ship and booster will be transported to the launch pad where they will be stacked in preparation for a wet dress rehearsal and the final launch, which may occur as early as May.