SpaceX has completed another test launch of Starship, a next-generation rocket designed for interplanetary missions. As part of the mission launched on Tuesday, the company revealed an important milestone in the project’s development by posting footage of the flight on social media. One of the images captured the moment the Starship’s upper stage separated from the first stage of the Super Heavy launch vehicle.
The separation occurred 2 minutes and 45 seconds after liftoff over the Gulf of Mexico. By this point, the Super Heavy had developed 7,700 kg of thrust, pushing the 120-meter structure into space. After separation, Starship continued on its predetermined trajectory, and 65 minutes after liftoff, it splashed down in the Indian Ocean.
The Super Heavy launch vehicle began a controlled descent with a plan to repeat the successful capture as it did during the previous test in October. Then two huge mechanical arms on the launch tower successfully caught it during landing. However, this time due to a technical problem with the catcher mechanism, dispatchers were forced to send the Super Heavy into the ocean near Boca Chica, Texas.
Views from Starship after launch from Starbase on its sixth flight test pic.twitter.com/qa9C52yVu9
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 21, 2024
Despite this, SpaceX rated the test as a success. The data collected will help improve the rocket’s design and systems, which is key for future missions.
NASA is considering a modified version of Starship to land the first woman and the first African American on the Moon as part of the Artemis III mission, scheduled for September 2026.
SpaceX also plans to increase the rocket’s power by adding more Raptor engines to the existing 33 on the main booster. This will increase thrust and allow Starship to accomplish even more ambitious missions.
We previously reported on how residents were frightened by Starship’s unbearable noise.
Provided by digitaltrends.com
