It worked on the fourth attempt: the giant rocket “Starship” returned to Earth after a successful test flight. It is expected to fly people to the moon again for the first time in 2026-2027.
The US space company SpaceX has successfully carried out a test flight of its mega rocket “Starship” for the first time in its fourth attempt. The 120-meter-long spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Indian Ocean after flying around the earth for about an hour, as multi-billionaire Elon Musk’s company announced on the online service X.
The rockets were lost during the first three test flights. “Splashdown confirmed! Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team on an exciting fourth Starship test flight!” the company explained. The touchdown at sea could also be seen in a live stream.
Also Read: SpaceX Reveals Space Tourism: How to Secure Your Exclusive Ticket and What’s the Price?
Transport to the moon—and Mars?
The rocket was launched in the morning (local time) from the Starbase spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas. According to SpaceX, the focus of the fourth test was on the controlled and safe return of the rocket to Earth and its reusability.
SpaceX wants to eventually take people to Mars with the “Starship” rocket. Before that, the new mega-rocket, which will be completely recyclable, will transport NASA astronauts to the moon.
In 2026, the US space agency wants to use the “Starship” rocket to bring astronauts to Earth’s satellite for the first time in more than 50 years. For the mission, called “Artemis 3,” the new rocket must be able to be launched into orbit and then refueled with multiple “Starship tankers” for its long journey.
Also Read: The launch of the Spacecraft Starliner was postponed a few minutes before launch
Three failed attempts
The “Starship” rocket tipped over and collapsed midair during its maiden test flight in April 2023. On the second try, which took place in November 2023, the rocket separated from the propulsion stage and successfully launched, but then exploded.
The third test flight took place in mid-March 2024. The rocket traveled a significantly longer distance than in the first two test flights before SpaceX reported its “loss” 49 minutes after launch.
Also Read: Japan’s new initiative to clean up waste in space
