Exploring outer space. - The plan is to conduct the fourth test launch for the "Starship" missile system.
The biggest rocket ever constructed for space travel will undergo its fourth trial flight today, around 14:00 CEST. The earlier three tests have not met expectations. The uncrewed "Starship" is set to blast off from SpaceX's launchpad in Texas. The plan involves a one-hour test flight and controlled landings for both rocket parts.
The first test in April of last year saw the entire rocket system blowing up just a few minutes after liftoff. In November, the two sections split, with only the top part still airborne before both ultimately exploded.
In March, the "Starship" made it to space for the very first time, but failed to complete its intended mission. Nonetheless, SpaceX and founder Elon Musk were pleased. They described the test as "unbelievable progress" toward a future with fast, reusable, and reliable rockets, according to SpaceX. For this fourth test, several enhancements have been implemented.
The "Starship" constitutes a 70-meter-long "Super Heavy" booster and a 50-meter-long top stage, known as "Starship." This two-part system is intended to facilitate human trips to the Moon and Mars. It is designed so that both the spacecraft and the rocket can be reused post-landing. The combined length of this 120-meter-long setup is projected to be capable of transporting more than 100 tons of cargo in the future. NASA intends to use the "Starship" to send astronauts to the Moon. SpaceX aspires to one day reach Mars with the system.
On the previous day, the "Starliner" spacecraft from Boeing, an American aircraft manufacturer, took off on its maiden manned flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
