SpaceX Starship V3 Rocket Completes Test Flight, Elon Musk Hails Humanity's Goal
Elon Musk’s SpaceX completed the test launch of its Starship V3 rocket on Friday, a day after an initial attempt was delayed. The uncrewed vehicle, the largest of its kind, lifted off from Texas at 17:30 (2230 GMT).
The flight concluded approximately an hour later with Starship’s programmed splashdown and explosion in the Indian Ocean. Mr Musk celebrated the achievement on his X platform, stating, “Congratulations @SpaceX team on an epic first Starship V3 launch & landing! You scored a goal for humanity.”
Technical issues surfaced during the flight, with SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot confirming the booster’s failure to complete its intended boost-back burn post-launch. Additionally, one of Starship’s engines malfunctioned, necessitating a prolonged burn from the remaining five to maintain trajectory. While the craft did not achieve its precise orbital insertion, Mr Huot indicated its path remained “within bounds.”
The Starship V3, standing 124 metres (407 feet) tall, also successfully deployed its payload of 20 mock Starlink satellites and two data-gathering satellites during its suborbital cruise. This marks the 12th flight for a SpaceX rocket and introduces its latest design.
This launch precedes SpaceX's anticipated initial public offering (IPO), which is projected to be the largest in Wall Street history. Valuing the company at $1.25 trillion, the IPO could see Mr Musk become the world's first trillionaire, given his substantial shareholding. SpaceX's portfolio extends beyond rocketry to include the Starlink satellite internet service and the AI firm xAI.
