On October 13, 2024, SpaceX conducted its fifth test flight of the Starship rocket system, the largest ever built in space exploration history, from its launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. The uncrewed Starship lifted off successfully, marking a significant milestone as the company managed to recover the first stage of its Mega Rocket for the first time.
The Super Heavy booster launched at 7:25 AM CT (12:25 GMT), propelling the second stage of the Starship on a journey toward the Indian Ocean, where it aims to attempt a controlled re-entry and subsequent water landing. This test follows a series of previous attempts where the rocket stages either exploded or failed to complete their missions.
SpaceX has emphasized that the objective of these tests is to gather data to improve the system, which is designed for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. The entire Starship system, approximately 120 meters in length, is intended to transport over 100 tons of cargo, with NASA planning to use it to send astronauts to the Moon.