The fifth test flight of SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft has ended in dramatic fashion. Although the final explosion marked the end of the flight, the test is considered a success by Elon Musk. The ship completed the majority of its objectives before crashing into the ocean.
Before the explosion, the flight took place impeccably. The Super Heavy thruster was safely caught by the tower Mechazilla de SpaceX. This impressive feat of engineering marked a major breakthrough for the company. In addition, the upper stage of the Starship took off safely from Texas and completed an orbital flight for almost an hour.
Of the remarkable images captured by Starlink showed the spacecraft gliding through space, the Earth rotating beneath it. This impressive sight captured the public’s attention and increased enthusiasm around the mission. Just before reaching the ocean, the Starship carried out a complex turning maneuver to slow down its descent.
The ship attempted to right itself using its thrusters, but seconds later a camera captured a massive explosion. The ship turned into a ball of fire. And the explosion offered a striking spectacle. Despite this, SpaceX confirmed that the landing had indeed taken place on the target, which represents a crucial step for the rest of the missions.
Elon Musk celebrates success
Elon Musk quickly reacted by calling this test big victory for SpaceX. He emphasized that two major objectives had been achieved. He notably mentioned the recovery of the Super Heavy propellant, another achievement for the company.
Previous Starship flights have not always been so successful. In June, the ship crashed into the ocean without being able to make a controlled landing. However, improvements to the ship’s structure showed promising results in this latest test.
The next flight, called Vol 6, has already received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. SpaceX is preparing for an ambitious new launch. Elon Musk took this opportunity to recall his dream of building a city on Mars within thirty years. This dream, driven by the progressive success of Starship, could become reality.
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