"SpaceX's Starship Water Deluge System: A Bidet for Rockets"

SpaceX has conducted the first test of its powerful deluge system, designed to prevent damage to the launch pad and surrounding areas during Starship launches. The system, which could eventually spray up to 350,000 gallons of water, aims to absorb energy from the rocket as it lifts off. The need for such a system became apparent after SpaceX's inaugural Starship launch in April resulted in significant damage and debris. The company is under pressure to get Starship up and running due to lucrative NASA contracts, and the investment in suppression infrastructure is seen as a logical move for both environmental and financial reasons.