SpaceX launches Starship to space, Super Heavy rocket explodes in the ocean

The success of this mission paves the way for more frequent launches and brings the dream of human settlement on Mars closer to realisation.

In Short

• Nasa officials closely monitored the launch
• The agency has contracted SpaceX to use a version of Starship
• The successful test flight is seen as a crucial milestone

SpaceX successfully launched its massive Starship rocket system on its sixth test flight, marking a significant advancement in the development of the world's largest and most powerful launch vehicle.

The launch took place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 3:30 am IST from SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas.

WATCH STARSHIP SUPER HEAVY LAUNCH HERE

The flight, designated Integrated Test Flight-6 (IFT-6), built upon the successes of previous tests while introducing new objectives to enhance the rocket's capabilities.

The test flight was attended by President-elect Donald Trump, who flew in earlier to watch the flying skyscraper in action.

The Starship upper stage successfully separated from the Super Heavy booster and continued its suborbital journey, demonstrating improved performance compared to previous tests.

However, the planned mid-air catch of the Super Heavy booster using the launch tower's "chopstick" arms did not occur as intended.

Instead, the booster made a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. Super Heavy performed flawlessly during ascent, but encountered an issue during the return sequence and exploded moments after crashing into the ocean.

The booster made a soft water landing, and SpaceX will be reviewing the data to improve future attempts.

Despite this deviation from the plan, the mission is still considered a significant success. The Starship upper stage continued its flight, conducting heat shield experiments and testing new reentry manoeuvres before splashing down in the Indian Ocean approximately 65 minutes after launch.

Nasa officials closely monitored the launch, as the agency has contracted SpaceX to use a version of Starship as the lunar lander for its Artemis missions. Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, tweeted, "Congratulations to SpaceX on another successful Starship test.

Each flight brings us closer to returning humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars."This sixth test flight represents the fastest turnaround yet in SpaceX's Starship development program, demonstrating the company's rapid iteration and learning process.