SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket from Texas, advancing its spaceflight capabilities, despite failing to recover its booster. The 400-foot rocket, intended for lunar and Martian missions, lifted off as US President-elect Donald Trump watched.
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Although the Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of landing as planned, Starship achieved critical milestones, including the first successful engine reignition in space. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson hailed the achievement, signaling progress toward orbital flight.
The mission signals stronger ties between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Trump, with both showing enthusiasm for Starship’s potential. SpaceX has ambitious goals for Starship, with plans for hundreds of launches in the coming years.
