SpaceX’s Starship returns to launch pad from orbit in victory for company
Also reported by CBS News, BBC World, PBS NewsHour, France24
Summary
SpaceX’s Starship upper stage returned to its Texas launch tower after a 22-hour test flight that completed 14 orbits of Earth. The booster diverted and exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, but SpaceX caught the upper stage for the first time.Key Facts
- Starship’s 15th test flight lasted 22 hours and included 14 orbits of Earth.
- The upper stage descended into the launch tower’s mechanical arms in Texas.
- SpaceX caught the Starship upper stage for the first time.
- The flight’s planned recovery of both rocket stages did not succeed.
- The Super Heavy booster diverted after takeoff and exploded in the Gulf of Mexico.
- SpaceX said its guidance, navigation and control system prevented the booster from attempting a catch because it was out of position.
- NASA has contracted SpaceX and Blue Origin for its plan to return humans to the Moon in 2028.
- Elon Musk has said SpaceX aims to increase Starship test flights to weekly and then twice-weekly launches.
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