SpaceX successfully completed its sixth test flight of the Starship vehicle on November 19, although plans for the Super Heavy booster to return to the launch site were altered. The satellite system lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas at 5 p.m. Eastern Time after a flawless countdown. Notably present for the launch was President-elect Donald Trump, who has fostered a strong relationship with SpaceX’s CEO, Elon Musk.
Approximately 2 minutes and 45 seconds after liftoff, the Super Heavy booster, designated Booster 13, separated from the Starship upper stage. However, shortly after initiating its return, mission controllers announced an “offshore divert” for the booster, meaning it would not land at the intended site. While the specific reason for this decision was not disclosed, the booster ultimately descended into the Gulf of Mexico, where it tipped over and exploded soon afterward. This marked a minor setback for SpaceX, especially following the successful recovery of a booster during a previous mission.
Despite this, the booster successfully propelled the Starship upper stage, Ship 31, onto a suborbital trajectory. During its brief time in space, SpaceX conducted a real-time test by reigniting one of its Raptor engines, an essential process for deorbit maneuvers in upcoming flights. The Starship then reentered over the Indian Ocean, with intentional changes to its reentry profile meant to test the vehicle’s limits. Kate Tice, a SpaceX presenter, indicated there may be challenges during the flight, emphasizing their goal to better understand the vehicle’s capabilities for future missions.
Upon reentry, the Starship experienced some damage to one of its flaps and portions of its thermal protection system but ultimately achieved a successful powered soft landing in the ocean 65.5 minutes after launch. The timing of the launch allowed for the splashdown to occur during daylight, enhancing visibility for the event.
Looking ahead, SpaceX announced plans for upgrades to the next iteration of the Starship upper stage, which include expanding propellant tanks and increasing payload capacity from 1,200 tons to 1,500 tons. Additionally, modifications to the configuration and size of the forward flaps are set to enhance heat protection during reentry. Although no specific launch date has been provided, the recent mission demonstrated SpaceX’s ability to conduct flights efficiently without needing to alter its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launch license.
This latest flight reflects SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to innovation and resilience in aerospace technology. With each test, the company not only pushes the boundaries of engineering but also steadily approaches its goal of making space travel more accessible. Moreover, the successful elements of this flight showcase significant advancements in preparation for future missions, hinting at an exciting future for space exploration.