SpaceX made this Thursday Boca Chica (Texas) The third test flight spaceship – the world’s largest and most powerful ship aiming to reach space – after two failed attempts in April and November 2023 that ended in explosions. The company confirmed the “loss” of the ship However, shortly after its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere and before it reached the waters of the Indian Ocean, the test was referred to as “Huge success” during the live broadcast.
Following the successful launch, which took place at around 8:25 a.m. local time (1:25 p.m. GMT) from a platform at Starbase, SpaceX’s base, Both stages of the rocket separated successfullyalthough the first, called Super Heavy, could not successfully complete his return to land. The spacecraft successfully continued its planned journey of nearly one orbit around the planet, flying at an altitude of about 160 kilometers and at a speed of more than 26,000 km / h.
Through more than an hour flightThe Starhip managed a significantly longer time compared to the previous tests Open and close the ship’s doors and transferring fuel from one tank to another, part of tests scheduled for today. During descent and re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, the ship had time to broadcast live some impressive images of the planetafter that, and as expected, the Communication was interrupted. Moments later, mission leaders confirmed that ““They lost the ship during their descent at more than 25,000 kilometers per hour.
Musk’s goal
Although Starship did not survive the harsh conditions upon its re-entry, the test achieved several of its objectives. The owner of SpaceX, Elon Musk, noted that they are planning further testing this year. The idea with these tests is Prepare the ground for the United States’ return to the moon, expected in 2026, and accelerate the path to Mars. SpaceX, which viewed the previous two launches as instructive despite the setbacks, needed approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for today’s new attempt.
The FAA said Wednesday that SpaceX “hit everyone.” Safety requirements, environment, guidelines and financial responsibility.” Last April, Starship’s two stages failed to separate and mission controllers activated one Emergency system that intentionally caused the rocket to explode about four minutes after takeoff. The second test, which also ended in an explosion, was more successful as both phases separated and SpaceX “achieved a number of key milestones and provided invaluable data to continue rapidly developing Starship,” the company explained.
Minutes before start Musk made a surprise appearance in Boca Chica to call on the public in attendance and those who watched the broadcast online to donate through a Cryptocurrency investment program To make space travel “accessible to everyone” in the future. He emphasized that it is one Initiative to “democratize” exploration Space and offered those who participate in this donation program to double the investment made in Bitcoin.