Watch incredible moment SpaceX's Starship rocket blasts off in 4th test launch

06 June 2024 , 12:18
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Check out the launch in the video above
Check out the launch in the video above

Watch the incredible moment SpaceX's Starship mega-rocket blasts off on its fourth test launch.

It marks another step forward for Elon Musk's plans to colonise Mars, and Nasa's efforts to get boots on the moon in 2026.

SpaceX, founded by Musk, launched around 9:45am EDT (1:45pm BST) launch from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas on 6 June qhiqquidttihtprw
SpaceX, founded by Musk, launched around 9:45am EDT (1:45pm BST) launch from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas on 6 JuneCredit: SpaceX
The 33-engine, $3billion mega-rocket is the largest vehicle to ever get off the ground
The 33-engine, $3billion mega-rocket is the largest vehicle to ever get off the groundCredit: SpaceX
Starship got battered during the re-entry, cracking one camera and giving teams blurry angles on the way down
Starship got battered during the re-entry, cracking one camera and giving teams blurry angles on the way downCredit: SpaceX
Starship got significantly battered during the re-entry, with one of the wings looking like it was about to tear off
Starship got significantly battered during the re-entry, with one of the wings looking like it was about to tear offCredit: SpaceX
Starship was developed as part of a $1.15billion contract with Nasa
Starship was developed as part of a $1.15billion contract with Nasa

SpaceX, founded by Musk, launched Starship around 9:45am EDT (1:45pm BST) launch from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas on 6 June.

The fourth test flight saw parts of the rocket break off in flames during re-entry, in what teams on the ground described as a "light show".

Starship got significantly battered during the re-entry, with one of the wings looking like it was about to tear off.

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There has been no sign of the rocket since its re-entry, so it's still unclear what condition it is in.

Nevertheless, the rocket conducted its first-ever landing burn into the Gulf of Mexico.

The team used SpaceX's Starlink satellites to maintain communications with the rocket during reentry, where there have previously been blackouts.

Today's test flight also demonstrated the first successful splashdown of the Super Heavy rocket booster in the water below.

SpaceX said Starship managed to fly even further than its previous test flight.

Starship, developed as part of a $1.15billion contract with Nasa, refers to the reusable stainless steel top half of the rocket.

Whereas as the bottom half of the rocket is its booster, known as Super Heavy.

The 33-engine, $3billion mega-rocket is the largest vehicle to ever get off the ground.

It is both the tallest rocket and the most powerful, producing up to 7.6million kilograms of thrust.

That is nearly double the current record held by Nasa’s Space Launch System (SLS).

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Smashed records

The third test launch in March saw Starship - and the Super Heavy rocket booster - fly faster and "further" than ever before.

It smashed records set by its second launch attempt in November, which exploded roughly 10 minutes after launch.

While the spacecraft fell apart on reentry, it completed several mission objectives that marked the flight a success.

One of the major objectives was achieving a fuel transfer while up in the air.

This maneuver will be essential to landing humans on the moon and ensuring astronauts have enough propellant to reach Mars.

The SpaceX team have repeatedly said Starship is "critical" to creating a "self-sustaining city" on Mars
The SpaceX team have repeatedly said Starship is "critical" to creating a "self-sustaining city" on MarsCredit: Alamy
The 33-engine, $3billion mega-rocket is the largest vehicle to ever get off the ground
The 33-engine, $3billion mega-rocket is the largest vehicle to ever get off the groundCredit: Rex

Millie Turner

Texas, SpaceX, Space and astronomy, Elon Musk

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