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SpaceX's Starship Makes Progress in Third Test Flight Despite Setbacks

Reaching orbital velocity and demonstrating propellant transfer, the test marks a step forward for Artemis missions, though FAA investigation looms.

The SpaceX Starship spacecraft lifts off Thursday from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The world's largest and most powerful rocket is vital to NASA's plans for landing astronauts on the Moon and Elon Musk's hopes of eventually colonizing Mars.
SpaceX launched the third integrated flight test of its Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage from the company’s Starbase orbital launch pad at 8:25 a.m. CT on March 14. This flight test is an important milestone toward providing NASA with a Starship HLS for its Artemis missions.
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SpaceX's Starship flies through space on its third test flight on March 14, 2024.

Overview

  • SpaceX's Starship achieved significant milestones in its third test flight, including reaching orbital velocity and performing a propellant-transfer demonstration in space.
  • Both the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage failed to complete their ocean landings, breaking apart in the atmosphere.
  • The FAA has opened an investigation into the mishap, which could impact the timeline for future test flights.
  • Despite the setbacks, NASA and SpaceX view the test as a step forward in the development of Starship for Artemis moon missions.
  • SpaceX has already built four more Starships and Super Heavy boosters, indicating readiness for future test flights.