14-3-2024 (BOCA CHICA) SpaceX faced a setback as it lost contact with its Starship rocket during reentry over the Indian Ocean, the company disclosed on Thursday. Despite this, the third test flight was considered a significant advancement compared to its predecessors.
The unmanned spacecraft embarked on its journey from SpaceX’s base in Boca Chica, Texas, at 8:25 a.m. local time, successfully lifting off as planned.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is conducting rigorous testing of the Starship rocket as part of its ambitious mission to explore the moon and, ultimately, Mars.
Described by the company as the “most powerful launch system ever developed,” Starship holds the promise of transporting up to 100 individuals on extended interplanetary voyages. Additionally, SpaceX envisions Starship facilitating satellite deployment, establishing a lunar outpost, and revolutionizing point-to-point transportation on Earth.
Watch the super hot plasma field grow as Starship re-enters the atmosphere! pic.twitter.com/to4UOF2Kpd
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2024
Musk hailed Starship, weighing approximately 5,000 tons, as “the largest flying object ever made.”
SpaceX’s second Starship rocket test flight in November 2023 ended in mishap, with the booster exploding upon separation, followed by the spacecraft apparently detonating upon reaching space.
Despite the setback, Thursday’s flight marked a significant milestone as it spent over 45 minutes in space before communication with the command center was lost upon reentry over the Indian Ocean.
