SpaceX ignited seven next‑generation “Mega Merlin” engines on historic Pad 36 at Cape Canaveral, generating an estimated 17 million newtons of thrust for 11 seconds. The test article, nicknamed “Starbooster Segment 1,” remained bolted to the stand while cameras captured supersonic shock diamonds rippling down the flame trench.
Mega Merlin is a methane‑oxygen derivative of the venerable Merlin 1D, featuring a 2.2‑meter nozzle and oxygen‑rich staged combustion. Engineers say the engine’s thrust class sits midway between Merlin 1D and Raptor 2, intended for a planned partially reusable heavy‑lift stage that can fit within existing Falcon infrastructure.
Data from this firing will inform a full‑duration burn scheduled in six weeks, followed by a vertical landing drop‑test at SpaceX’s Boca Chica site. If timelines hold, the company expects to conduct an integrated hop of the Starbooster prototype before year’s end.