SpaceX Closer to Mars Mission After Starhopper Flight - a podcast by Eric Sorensen

This week, SpaceX successfully tested the Starhopper prototype in Texas. In just 57.36 seconds, the rocket lifted off, reached 150 m, and then stuck the landing. 

It was the craft’s second successful test. In July, it reached 18 m, because the FAA had restricted it to less than 25 m. 

According to a report from designboom, Starhopper is part of a broader R&D effort to burn liquid methane in SpaceX’s engines instead of kerosene. 

The technology seems destined for a mission to Mars. Elon Musk ended a series of congratulatory tweets by stating that the craft will one day land on the "rusty sands of Mars.” 

According to a Seattle Times report, Starhopper will now be retired and cannibalized for parts. The company will also shift focus to Starship, the rocket it plans to send to Mars. 

The Starship will be designed to carry up to 100 passengers to the moon and Mars. 

Oh, and if there is any question about whether or not there is a renewed interest in space? The Starhopper test has been viewed more than 1.2 million times in less than 24 hours. 

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