SpaceX successfully launched its giant Starship rocket from Boca Chica, Texas, on Tuesday, marking significant advancements in spaceflight capabilities. However, an attempt to recover its booster Super Heavy ended in failure.
Starship is by far the most powerful flying object ever created https://t.co/vEUEhOTaAe
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 20, 2024
The launch was observed by US President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting the growing connection between him and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Musk, a supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign, had also recently joined an initiative aimed at improving government efficiency.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 20, 2024
The 122-metre rocket system, designed for lunar landings and Mars missions, lifted off at 4 pm CT (3:30 am IST on Wednesday).
The 71-meter Super Heavy booster detached from the Starship’s second stage at an altitude of 62 kilometers, launching the spacecraft into space. However, instead of landing as planned and being caught by tower-mounted arms, the booster fell into the Gulf of Mexico, suggesting a malfunction. A live stream by space blogger Everyday Astronaut captured the booster exploding into a huge fireball after hitting the water.
Starship achieved a major milestone last month by successfully demonstrating its innovative catch-landing technique, a key feature of its reusable design. Prior to Tuesday’s launch, Musk referred to the planned catch-landing as “faster/harder” in a post on social media.
