SpaceX launched its biggest and most powerful Starship yet on a test flight on Friday. The upgraded version of the spacecraft, which NASA is counting on to land astronauts on the moon, blasted off from the southern tip of Texas. It carried 20 mock Starlink satellites that were released midway through the hour-long flight that stretched halfway around the world.
Engine Trouble and Fiery Conclusion
Despite some engine trouble, the spacecraft reached its final destination in the Indian Ocean. However, it erupted into flames on impact. According to SpaceX, the fire was not unexpected.
Mission Highlights
- Launch site: Southern Texas
- Payload: 20 mock Starlink satellites
- Flight duration: Approximately one hour
- Destination: Indian Ocean
This test flight marks a significant step in SpaceX's development of the Starship, which is designed for deep space missions, including lunar landings under NASA's Artemis program.
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