Booster catch attempt ends in flames as SpaceX launches Starship on massive rocket test flight

Booster recovery attempt ends

Starship lifted off from the Starbase launchpad in Boca Chica at 1645 local time Friday, or 2245 GMT. The rocket stands 124 metres tall. SpaceX called off its effort to catch the lower stage. It was redirected to the ocean, where it burst into flames.

During the launch stream, a SpaceX spokesperson said safety came first because the company was testing maneuvers not previously attempted on these vehicles. The spokesperson said the company was focused on carrying them out safely.

Ship continues toward orbit

The upper stage, known as the Ship, continued its journey after the booster’s recovery attempt was abandoned. It is scheduled to make 14 orbits around Earth before returning to the launch tower.

The Ship is due back 22.5 hours after liftoff. SpaceX may attempt a catch then, with a decision expected at about 1515 local time Saturday, or 2115 GMT.

The upper stage first reached orbit in September, but it has not been caught by the tower’s chopsticks. Previous returns ended with ocean splashdowns, and the rocket can be directed to the sea at several points if problems arise.

Reusability and lunar plans

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets fly more than 100 times a year, and reusing their lower stages has substantially reduced launch costs. The company has said full reusability could change the economics of reaching space.

SpaceX has a Nasa contract to adapt the Ship as a lander for astronauts travelling to the lunar surface. Both organizations are also involved in Artemis III, currently planned for summer 2027.

The flight is being watched by Nasa and SpaceX shareholders, following the company going public earlier this year. Starship must make progress in the coming months to meet its commitments, while its development has moved more slowly than SpaceX intended.