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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 36492, member: 636"] SpaceX performed an engine test on its Starship upper stage rocket. This static fire test occurred late yesterday evening. The company conducted the test at its Texas site. This specific rocket could potentially power Starship's ninth flight attempt. Engineers ran the rocket's engines for a short duration. This upper stage represents a newer rocket version. It suffered failures during its first two missions. Both flight seven and flight eight concluded with the stage's destruction. SpaceX appears cautious in handling this troublesome component. The brief engine run points toward a careful testing method. Engineers tested the mission's large Super Heavy booster last month. Flight nine plans the first operational reuse of a Super Heavy rocket. Achieving booster reuse remains a key goal for SpaceX's progress. The time between flights eight and nine seems longer than previous gaps. Testing work on this specific upper stage just began. Flight seven's upper stage failed its primary objectives. It exploded high above the Caribbean Sea. Reports indicated vibrations ignited a fire near the engines. Flight eight repeated the failure, destroying the stage prematurely. SpaceX recently moved the current upper stage to the test area. Based on video footage, yesterday's engine firing lasted approximately eight seconds. SpaceX officials have not confirmed this test result or this rocket for flight nine. Future test objectives for this upper stage remain unclear. The rocket has faced significant issues on prior flights. [/QUOTE]

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