SpaceX tested new engines to bring people to Mars

SpaceX is preparing to test a more powerful new Raptor engine, promising to be used in space shuttle to bring people to Mars in 2018.

SpaceX is taking a step closer to the goal of bringing space explorers to Mars. Currently, this space-research technology company has sent next-generation rockets code-named Raptor , to a Texas (US) facility for testing.

SpaceX's shuttle will use a new engine.

The Raptor is three times more powerful than the Merlin engine SpaceX is using on the upcoming Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy. SpaceX founder Elon Musk said the Raptor will cost about £ 500,000 and it will act as a main engine on the shuttle.

While the shuttle uses three main engines and two booster missiles, SpaceX's near-finished product will use a total of nine Raptor rocket engines.

As planned, in early 2018, SpaceX will start bringing unmanned vehicles to Mars.

Elon Musk is expected to reveal more details about this plan at the upcoming International Space Travel Conference in Guadalajara (Mexico) from September 26 to 30, 2016.