SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket into orbit for the first time on March 14th, 2024. However, it lost communication with the rocket during its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Starship is the world’s tallest and most powerful rocket. It reached orbit after previous test flights ended in explosions. Reaching orbit was a key milestone for Starship.
The rocket represents SpaceX’s ambitious plans for heavy lift launch capabilities and fully reusable rockets. Elon Musk wants to use Starship to transport people and cargo to Mars to eventually colonize the planet.
NASA has also chosen Starship to land astronauts on the lunar surface as part of its Artemis program, which aims to return people to the Moon.
Future plans for Starship include using reusable tankers to refuel spacecraft in orbit, allowing much heavier payloads to deep space destinations like Mars. SpaceX hopes this will enable colonizing Mars affordably.
While the orbital test launch was a success, Starship lost communication during its reentry, and SpaceX announced it was lost. Future tests will focus on developing full reusability of the rocket.
Source: businessinsider
