SpaceX pushed the boundaries of space exploration on Tuesday with the sixth major test flight of its Starship system in South Texas. The mission showcased remarkable achievements, including a controlled ocean landing of the Super Heavy booster and a near-complete global journey by the Starship spacecraft. However, an anticipated midair “catch” of the booster with SpaceX’s giant mechanical arms, nicknamed “chopsticks,” was called off for safety reasons.
SpaceX Clears New Frontiers
Shortly after 4 p.m. local time, the Starship launch system—comprising the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft—successfully lifted off, clearing the tower with precision. The massive booster performed a controlled descent into the Gulf of Mexico, skipping the planned aerial recovery attempt. SpaceX engineer Kate Tice explained during a live broadcast, “The safety of the teams, the public, and the launch pad itself are paramount. Compromises were necessary for this test.”
Despite this adjustment, the test marked significant progress. For the first time, SpaceX successfully reignited one of Starship’s Raptor engines mid-flight, a critical step for managing reentry and maneuvers in space.
A Fiery Reentry and Splashdown
After separating from the booster, Starship embarked on a partial orbital journey. Roughly 45 minutes into the mission, the spacecraft reentered Earth’s atmosphere, enduring extreme temperatures as its upgraded heat shield glowed against the plasma’s fiery intensity. The exterior flaps adjusted to guide its descent, though some showed signs of burn damage.
Emerging from the clouds, Starship flipped upright and reignited its engines to perform a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean at around 6 p.m. New York time. The landing, while successful, saw the vehicle catch fire shortly after.
Tice highlighted the importance of these tests, saying, “The vehicle exceeded our calculations, and that’s why we test as we fly.”
Starship’s Mission: Mars, the Moon, and Beyond
As the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, Starship is pivotal to SpaceX’s vision. It is contracted by NASA as the lunar lander for upcoming moon missions, marking humanity’s return to the lunar surface after 50 years. Moreover, it forms the backbone of Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to establish a human settlement on Mars.
Starship’s revolutionary design promises a fully reusable launch system, significantly reducing costs compared to SpaceX’s current Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. To realize this vision, SpaceX must refine its recovery techniques for both the booster and spacecraft.
Trump and Musk Witness the Launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended the launch alongside Elon Musk, arriving at the viewing site about an hour before liftoff. Wearing his signature blue suit and MAGA hat, Trump stood with allies such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Donald Trump Jr., engaging Musk with questions about the launch process.
Following the booster’s ocean landing, Trump and Musk toured the SpaceX Starfactory, exploring rocket bays and gaining insights into production. This marked Trump’s first visit to a Starship launch, underscoring his growing rapport with Musk.
Musk and Trump’s Growing Collaboration
Musk has become a key figure in Trump’s inner circle since the November election, advocating for reduced regulations, particularly those affecting Starship development. The billionaire’s relationship with Trump includes frequent meetings at Mar-a-Lago and joint appearances on initiatives such as the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk will co-chair with Vivek Ramaswamy.
While SpaceX’s October test revealed challenges, such as a booster nearly crashing into the launch tower, Musk remains optimistic about addressing these issues. Upcoming goals include refining in-space refueling and advancing Starship’s reusability.
Tuesday’s launch demonstrated SpaceX’s progress toward transforming space travel. As the company continues testing and development, Starship remains central to Musk’s vision of making humanity an interplanetary species.
