272K views · 239 reactions | Test firing a rocket engine (and watching it explode). | Verge Science | Facebook

A rocket engine test is a key step to check if a rocket engine works well, is reliable, and safe. Tests happen in special facilities that can handle extreme heat, high-pressure exhaust, and dangerous fuels. The engine is fired on a test stand to measure things like thrust, fuel use, combustion stability, and how long the engine lasts under conditions like a real space launch. Tests differ based on the engine type—liquid, solid, or hybrid. For liquid engines, cold fuels like liquid hydrogen and o