SpaceX tested the Super Heavy rocket booster on February 9, 2023. The static firing of the rocket marked what is likely to be the most powerful booster ignition in the history of human space exploration. The rocket includes 33 engines, and 31 were successfully lit and fired throughout the testing.
Elon Musk noted in a tweet that this was "still enough engines to reach orbit!" The Super Heavy booster is a massive launch platform designed in concert with the Starship project.
This system is designed to bring people and equipment far into the depths of space. The goal is to support missions to Mars, life in orbit, and exploration far beyond our current reach.
This test fire is a big step in the right direction for SpaceX's plans. As of this exercise, the company is still awaiting licensing from the FAA for an orbital test flight. Therefore, the booster test was conducted without the spacecraft attached, and the boosters were tethered to the launching apparatus.
This test signals that SpaceX may be ready to progress into the next development phase, and a full-scale launch could be looming just over the horizon.