Starship lands successfully in the ocean, SpaceX sets course for Mars and the Moon

On Monday, SpaceX successfully launched its eleventh Starship rocket, which landed in the Indian Ocean after a test mission. This is the last flight before the launch of a more advanced version of the rocket, which will support missions to the Moon and Mars.

Starship launched from the Starbase facility in Texas, with the Super Heavy launch vehicle successfully landing in the Gulf of Mexico. There, the landing engine configuration was tested before being deliberately detonated.

The flight included several tests, from reigniting the engines in space to checking the heat shield before landing west of Australia. NASA described the flight as another step toward the moon mission as part of the Artemis program.

Future versions of Starship will be equipped with docking adapters and in-orbit refueling technology – a key element for long-term missions beyond Earth.

The new prototype is scheduled to launch before the end of the year. Elon Musk expects a refueling test to take place in 2026. The moon mission is planned for 2027. At the same time, Starship will also be used to launch heavier versions of the Starlink satellites, making it highly significant for SpaceX's commercial ambitions.

(reuters, max)