SpaceX successfully completed its fifth Starship test flight on Sunday, using mechanical arms to catch the returning giant booster at the launch pad. The rocket’s first stage, known as “Super Heavy,” took off from SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas facilities and sent the Starship second-stage rocket into space before separating at an altitude of approximately 40 miles. The most daring part of the test flight was when the Super Heavy booster re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and made its way back to the launch site. It relit three of its engines to slow down its descent and targeted the launch pad and tower it had taken off from. With its engines roaring, it fell into the tower’s arms and hooked itself in place.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, expressed his excitement on social media after witnessing this successful attempt. Employees at SpaceX also celebrated with joyous screams and gestures of triumph. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson joined in congratulating SpaceX for their achievement.
The continuous testing of Starship is crucial for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts at the moon’s south pole. This program is a follow-up to Apollo and will play a significant role in preparing for future missions to Mars.
During this test flight, while Super Heavy returned safely to Earth, Starship continued on its trajectory around the world before making a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean as planned.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted approval for this ambitious test mission after conducting a thorough review process involving other agencies due to concerns about environmental impact.
SpaceX has made significant upgrades for this fifth test flight by completely reworking Starship’s heat shield system with newer-generation tiles and additional protections between flap structures.
Despite earlier delays caused by regulatory processes, FAA approval was issued sooner than expected. SpaceX criticized these delays as they believe it hinders America’s position as a leader in space exploration.
This successful test brings us closer to realizing Elon Musk’s vision of fully reusable rockets that can transport cargo into orbit more efficiently while also ferrying humans between celestial bodies like Earth, Moon, and eventually Mars.
NASA has already ordered two Starships with plans to use them for lunar missions later this decade as part of their Artemis program. Elon Musk envisions that eventually Starship will replace Falcon 9 rocket—the workhorse of SpaceX—currently responsible for launching most satellites into space worldwide.