SpaceX launches its biggest, most beefed-up Starship yet on a test flight

SpaceX launched its most advanced Starship yet on Friday from Starbase in southern Texas, marking the 12th test flight for the rocket intended to support NASA’s Artemis program and eventual Mars missions. The upgraded V3 model, standing 407 feet tall, lifted off successfully after delays caused by last-minute launch pad issues. It carried 20 mock Starlink satellites, which were released mid-flight, and traveled halfway around the world before intentionally crashing into the Indian Ocean as planned. The redesigned rocket included key improvements such as larger grid fins for steering, a more robust fuel transfer line, and enhanced navigation systems. However, not all engines fired during the booster’s controlled return, and the first-stage booster crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX noted the fire at the end of the flight was expected, as the spacecraft was not recovered for reuse. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch, emphasizing the rocket’s critical role in landing astronauts on the moon under the Artemis program. The agency has awarded SpaceX billions to develop a lunar lander, competing with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which has yet to conduct a test flight of its Blue Moon lander. NASA plans a docking trial in Earth’s orbit next year, with a potential moon landing by 2028 for Artemis IV. The test flight followed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s announcement that the company would go public. Earlier Starship flights ended in midair explosions, but this launch avoided major fireworks until the controlled descent. The mission provided valuable data, including live views from modified Starlink satellites, as Starship continues its development toward full reusability and future crewed missions.