SpaceX’s Starship rocket has successfully launched from its Boca Chica base in Texas on its third attempt, ascending into the sky at 08:25 local time.
The next crucial phase was a “controlled” return to Earth, guiding the Starship back to Earth and ultimately touching down in the Indian Ocean. However, the spacecraft was lost during reentry, 48 minutes into its flight.
The rocket had known two explosive setbacks during its previous test flights in April and November 2023.
This latest test flight is a significant milestone for SpaceX as it continues to refine and develop its ambitious Starship project. The project holds promise for future space exploration endeavors.
Elon Musk’s company is relying on Starship to achieve its stated goal of installing an autonomous colony on Mars, making humanity a multi-planetary species. NASA is also counting on this spacecraft to land its astronauts on the Moon during its Artemis 3 mission, planned for 2026.