SpaceX launches upgraded version of Starship rocket 02:37SpaceX launched a revamped Super Heavy-Starship rocket Friday on a flight to test more powerful engines, enhanced control systems and a host of other upgrades needed to streamline operations and improve safety and reliability.One of the Super Heavy first stage’s 33 methane-fueled Raptor 3 engines shut down early during the climb out of the lower atmosphere and additional engines failed to run properly during an attempt to fly the stage back to its planned splashdown point off the Texas Gulf Coast.The Super Heavy-Starship blasts off from a new launch pad at SpaceX’s Starbase manufacturing facility on the Texas Gulf Coast. It was the first flight up an upgraded version of the world’s most power rocket as SpaceX works to perfect the launcher for operational flights. / Credit: SpaceXThe Starship upper stage was equipped with six third-generation Raptor engines, and one of three optimized for operating in a vacuum shut down early during the climb to space. The flight computer kept the other five engines longer than originally planned to make up for the shortfall, putting the craft on an acceptable sub-orbital trajectory.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt was not immediately known what might have triggered the premature engine shutdowns, but once in space, the Starship appeared to perform well, deploying 22 Starlink internet satellite simulators from an upgraded Pez-like dispenser. Two of those were equipped with cameras that sent back images of the Starship from the viewpoint of the simulators.A drone’s-eye-view of the Super Heavy-Starship launch. / Credit: SpaceXThe cameras will be used on future flights to assess the health of the Starship’s heat shield tiles.Once operational, …
