SpaceX’s sixth Starship test flight launched from its Texas facility, achieving a near-Earth orbit and splashing down in the Indian Ocean—its first daylight landing. The 397-foot-tall rocket, powered by 33 Raptor engines generating 16.7 million pounds of thrust, reached space and tested critical systems, including engine reignition and heat shield performance. The Super Heavy booster, designed for reuse, failed to meet criteria for a tower catch and splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico four minutes after launch.

Starship is central to NASA’s Artemis program, with SpaceX contracted to use it as a crewed lunar lander. Each flight brings SpaceX closer to revolutionizing space travel, enabling reusable missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Photo Screenshot: SpaceX