Initial tests: SpaceX wants to reuse used engine for the first time

The aerospace company SpaceX is known for its rockets that land back on Earth after use, which was also recently achieved with the most powerful SpaceX engine, the Super Heavy Booster – Now, for the first time, a Super Heavy Booster that has already been tested is set to take off again for a flight.

Preparations are already underway and SpaceX has now published some images of an engine test on X in McGregor, Texas, on Thursday. SpaceX fired the engine, which is part of the "Booster 14" rocket, for eight seconds and confirmed that the engine is to be used again for a rocket launch.

It was last launched on a test flight in January, during which the upper part of the spacecraft exploded, but the booster was able to land again and be caught by the launch pad's grappling arms.

According to SpaceX, 29 of the booster's 33 methane-fueled Raptor engines are flight-tested, reports Ars Technica. By reusing the booster, SpaceX also wants to get closer to its idea of zero-touch reflight. This roughly translates to "reuse with zero workshop contact" and describes the possibility of launching a rocket engine into space a second time without major maintenance or reconditioning. However, it is not yet known when the engine tested this week will be launched on its next flight.

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