SpaceX Tests Raptor Rapid Relight Capability

SpaceX tests Raptor's rapid relight capability, useful in the event of engine problems during Starship landing. Three separate successful tests, along with a few potential aborts, were seen this past week at McGregor.

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[tankourito]

Good progress. I'm sure tests like this are massive for development. May this week be just as important

[PsychoticWolfie]

It seems since Raptor is a bit more complex and much more powerful than Merlin, development has naturally taken a lot longer on it comparatively speaking.

But what these recent tests tell me is that Raptor is really starting to fully mature, these remind me of the late stages of Merlin development. I really think SpaceX is getting there!

[catherinegrimes]

I am very impressed with these tests. It wasn't that long ago since I saw the first Raptor in flight with that water tower and something fell of it. Then there were the three engined Starship flights than performed OK, but the engines seemed to leak. This is in a completely different league and it inspires confidence in the Starship project. I cannot wait to see the Starship launches, it will be like the Apollo launches and seeing those launches was absolutely amazing.

[donhull]

Testing this many engines this quickly is simply insane!
There is SpaceX, and then all the others.

[UncleKennysPlace]

Start/shutdown/restart is very hard on any sort of heat engine. We do this on commercial jet engines; for ETOPS approval, we do three thousand cycles!

[marypollock]

Love seeing these tests. I am impressed by how calm the cattle are too.

[myyklmax]

Good Test. ... 40 Second initial burn. Then shutdown and relight for 5 seconds. Excellent.

[corrinastanley]

Thanks for the vid, it's hard to keep up with so many live streams to watch. What a great problem to have.

[Sonderax]

Thr fact Raptor can already do this and not blow itself to pieces (sometimes) is super impressive. And unlike Merlin, they could do this test over and over again due to infinite relight ability.

[stargot]

The mix metalox are perfect! The color, the form of the exhaust is perfect !

[zopaseah]

This is good video. I just so happy hearing the actual engines roar n fire n smoke. Tks 4 video.

[tammymccaslin]

Someday I want to just spend a day hanging out at McGregor in my car, working on my crochet projects, and listening to the rocket engines.

[ancientastronut]

Great to see all these successful tests. Progress!!!

[jcdavis]

Consistently 9 seconds before relight, this is awesome!

[smacksman]

The flare stack varies in intensity. Could this be evidence of throttling the engine?
I remember the cows running in the field when Merlin 1 took off years ago. Now the cows don't even stop chewing the cud!

[sirkriskringle]

What a Sweet Engine the Raptor is, Can't what to see What SpaceX going to come up with for their next Engine Type . SKK .

[alanc]

Love watching these Raptors and Merlins each and every day. With the relight tests and the Gimbal testing for the new Electric TVC we will be seeing more and more Starships in the near future doing some exciting things. Thanks NSF McGregor Team for taking the time to put this together.

[ElizaJane]

I still cant get over how chill those cows are, just laying there munching the grass watching the inferno next pasture over!

[lezbriddon]

The engine noises after the shutdown at 07:20 are so unique.

[alutious]

Wow I think all the powerful engine tests I have seen were horizontal. Dang that is 😎