A stage went oceanward as SpaceX launches huge Starship rocket on 15th test flight
Launch and lower-stage decision
Starship lifted off from the Starbase launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas, at 1645 local time (2245 GMT) on Friday. The rocket stands 124m tall. SpaceX aborted its attempt to catch the lower stage. It was diverted to the ocean, where it burst into flames. A SpaceX spokesperson said safety remained the priority while the company tested maneuvers not previously performed on these vehicles.
Upper stage continues flight
The Ship is due to make 14 orbits around Earth before returning to the launch tower, 22.5 hours after takeoff. SpaceX will decide whether to attempt a catch at about 1515 local time (2115 GMT) on Saturday.
The upper stage first reached orbit in September and has never been caught by the launch tower’s chopsticks. It has instead splashed down in the ocean. If problems arise, there are several points in the flight when the stage can be brought down at sea.
Reuse and spaceflight plans
SpaceX has a Nasa contract to configure the Ship as a lander for astronauts traveling to the lunar surface. Both organizations are also expected to play key roles in Artemis III, currently planned for summer 2027.
The article says the pace of Starship’s development has been slower than SpaceX intended, and that the vehicle must make substantial progress in the coming months to meet its commitments. SpaceX shareholders and the US space agency will be monitoring the flight.
Key points
- Starship launched from Boca Chica, Texas, at 1645 local time on Friday.
- SpaceX aborted the lower-stage catch attempt and diverted the stage to the ocean.
- The Ship is due to complete 14 Earth orbits before returning to the launch tower.
- Starship is being developed for Nasa’s lunar plans, including Artemis III, planned for summer 2027.