SpaceX conducted a successful test flight of its Starship rocket, launching four mock satellites from Texas while aiming to catch the first-stage booster. The flight follows a previous explosion, prompting several design improvements. This test is crucial as NASA plans to use Starship for lunar missions. SpaceX has faced challenges with previous flights, including an explosion caused by fuel leaks, but has made necessary modifications and received FAA clearance to proceed with future launches. The mission demonstrates ongoing advancements in SpaceX's ambitious space exploration goals, including potential Mars missions.
Nearly two months after an explosion sent flaming debris raining down on the Turks and Caicos, SpaceX launched another mammoth Starship rocket on a test flight Thursday to release mock satellites into space.
The 403-foot rocket blasted off from Texas a little before sunset. SpaceX aimed to catch the first-stage booster back at the pad with giant mechanical arms.
NASA kept close watch on the action. The space agency has booked Starship to land its astronauts on the moon later this decade.
According to an investigation that remains ongoing, leaking fuel triggered a series of fires that shut down the spacecraft's engines.
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