SpaceX achieved a major milestone with the successful launch of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas on Thursday morning. This marked the third and most triumphant test to date for the spaceflight company.
The live stream of the launch attracted over 1.5 million viewers, capturing the anticipation as the rocket lifted off at 8:25 a.m. CT. The mission aimed to advance on previous flights by tackling ambitious goals, including successful burns of both stages, operation of Starship's payload door, a propellant transfer demo during the upper stage's coast phase, the first-ever re-light of a Raptor engine in space, and a controlled reentry of Starship.
Unlike the previous two tests that ended in explosions, this launch followed a new trajectory designed to enhance safety. SpaceX adjusted the flight path to allow for innovative techniques like in-space engine burns while ensuring public safety. The Starship was anticipated to land in the Indian Ocean upon completion.
Cheers erupted as the rocket soared, with SpaceX's host announcing its rapid acceleration beyond the speed of sound. Onboard cameras provided captivating views, capturing the boosters' successful return to Earth just minutes after liftoff.
Despite the successful aspects of the mission, SpaceX revealed that the ship was lost during reentry, leading to the cancellation of the planned splashdown. Nonetheless, the test represented significant progress in SpaceX's ongoing efforts to develop a fully reusable transportation system for crew and cargo, paving the way for future endeavors to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Member discussion: