{"id":5667,"date":"2024-10-13T17:07:05","date_gmt":"2024-10-13T17:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/13\/spacex-catches-giant-starship-booster-with-chopsticks-on-historic-flight-5-rocket-launch-and-landing-video\/"},"modified":"2024-10-13T17:07:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-13T17:07:05","slug":"spacex-catches-giant-starship-booster-with-chopsticks-on-historic-flight-5-rocket-launch-and-landing-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/13\/spacex-catches-giant-starship-booster-with-chopsticks-on-historic-flight-5-rocket-launch-and-landing-video\/","title":{"rendered":"SpaceX catches giant Starship booster with &#8216;Chopsticks&#8217; on historic Flight 5 rocket launch and landing (video)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p>The biggest and most powerful rocket ever built took to the skies again. And this time, it came back.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18853-spacex.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18853-spacex.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SpaceX<\/a> launched its 400-foot-tall (122 meters) <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-super-heavy.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-super-heavy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Starship<\/a> vehicle for the fifth time ever today (Oct. 13), sending the giant rocket aloft from its Starbase site in South Texas at 8:25 am. EDT (1225 GMT; 7:25 a.m. local Texas time).\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside class=\"hawk-nest\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"\/>\n<p>The mission aimed to break new ground for Starship, and for spaceflight in general: SpaceX planned to return Starship&#8217;s huge first-stage booster, known as Super Heavy, directly to its launch mount, catching it with the &#8220;chopstick&#8221; arms of the launch tower in a bold and unprecedented maneuver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And that&#8217;s exactly what happened. About seven minutes after liftoff, SpaceX&#8217;s Super Heavy executed what appeared to be a bull&#8217;s-eye landing, hovering near the Mechazilla launch tower as the tower captured it with its metal arms.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-imageGallery-ozBpWxvjRCagGHsAB8Ea9c-5\" class=\"slice-container imageGallery-wrapper imageGallery-ozBpWxvjRCagGHsAB8Ea9c-5 slice-container-imageGallery\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"inline-gallery first-slide-only\">\n<p>Image <!-- -->1<!-- --> of <!-- -->5<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:hidden\" class=\"inline-gallery__items\">\n<div style=\"-webkit-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-transition:all 0s ease 0s;transition:all 0s ease 0s;-webkit-transform:translate(0%, 0);transform:translate(0%, 0);direction:ltr;display:flex;will-change:transform\" class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\">\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-1200-80.png.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-320-80.png 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-480-80.png 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-650-80.png 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-970-80.png 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-1024-80.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5-1200-80.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Starship's Super Heavy Booster is grappled at the launch pad in Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, on October 13, 2024, during the Starship Flight 5 test.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KRGz5fXyWeKq7WFAMUGFr5.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Starship&#8217;s Super Heavy Booster is grappled at the launch pad in Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, on October 13, 2024, during the Starship Flight 5 test.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Sergio Flores\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy booster approaches its launch tower for the first-ever landing and capture at the pad after launching on a suborbital test flight from Starbase in South Texas on Oct. 13, 2024.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/62aSz3WeKQNTS2hfiBrJzS.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy lands at Mechazilla on the first try.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy booster approaches its launch tower for the first-ever landing and capture at the pad after launching on a suborbital test flight from Starbase in South Texas on Oct. 13, 2024.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3wSVbqxH8udGsGkpjFFkCT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy lands at Mechazilla on the first try.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy booster approaches its launch tower for the first-ever landing and capture at the pad after launching on a suborbital test flight from Starbase in South Texas on Oct. 13, 2024.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BgYoc5g8jhupJxB8oVawoS.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy lands at Mechazilla on the first try.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:946px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.236786469344615%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 rocket hanging from its launch pad after landing\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FrvsvcSyiBWbJwJHE6cdp3.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX Starship Flight 5 Super Heavy lands at Mechazilla on the first try.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;This is a day for the engineering history books,&#8221; Kate Tice, SpaceX manager of\u00a0Quality Systems Engineering, said during live commentary as SpaceX employees screamed and cheered at the company&#8217;s Hawthorne, California headquarters behind her. &#8220;This is absolutely insane! On the first-ever attempt, we have successfully caught the Super Heavy booster back at the launch tower.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Are you kidding me?&#8221; SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot added from the launch site. &#8220;Even in this day and age, what we just saw \u2014 that looked like magic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The booster catch was not the only goal for Flight 5. SpaceX also aimed to send Starship&#8217;s 165-foot-tall (50 m) upper stage \u2014 known as Starship, or simply Ship \u2014 to space and bring it back to <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Earth<\/a> with a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. That occurred about 65 minutes after liftoff, with the Ship firing three of its six engines to hover over the ocean before tipping over and exploding.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ozBpWxvjRCagGHsAB8Ea9c\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ozBpWxvjRCagGHsAB8Ea9c slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\"\/>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;That was amazing,&#8221; Tice said. &#8220;We were not intending to recover any of Starship, so that was the best ending that we could have hoped for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18849-elon-musk.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/18849-elon-musk.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elon Musk<\/a>, SpaceX&#8217;s founder and CEO, agreed.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Big step towards making life multiplanetary was made today,&#8221; <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1845463518671466934\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/x.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1845463518671466934\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"noopener\">he wrote on X<\/a> (formerly Twitter) after the landing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-giant-moon-and-mars-rocket-3\">A giant moon and Mars rocket<\/h2>\n<div id=\"slice-container-imageGallery-ozBpWxvjRCagGHsAB8Ea9c-10\" class=\"slice-container imageGallery-wrapper imageGallery-ozBpWxvjRCagGHsAB8Ea9c-10 slice-container-imageGallery\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"inline-gallery first-slide-only\">\n<p>Image <!-- -->1<!-- --> of <!-- -->3<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:hidden\" class=\"inline-gallery__items\">\n<div style=\"-webkit-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-transition:all 0s ease 0s;transition:all 0s ease 0s;-webkit-transform:translate(0%, 0);transform:translate(0%, 0);direction:ltr;display:flex;will-change:transform\" class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\">\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 launches on a suborbital test flight from Starbase in South Texas on Oct. 13, 2024.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m9aLJKP95YnfSHG3fQfXqT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX&#8217;s Starship Flight 5 rocket and booster lift off from Starbase.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 launches on a suborbital test flight from Starbase in South Texas on Oct. 13, 2024.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YB3rzeQQbmE88jgtXmCcbT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX&#8217;s Starship Flight 5 rocket and booster lift off from Starbase.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 launches on a suborbital test flight from Starbase in South Texas on Oct. 13, 2024.\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/vanilla.futurecdn.net\/cyclingnews\/media\/img\/missing-image.svg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5bKN4cxjTfkssv7HzDZ4RT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">SpaceX&#8217;s Starship Flight 5 rocket and booster lift off from Starbase.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>SpaceX is developing Starship to help humanity settle the moon and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/47-mars-the-red-planet-fourth-planet-from-the-sun.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/47-mars-the-red-planet-fourth-planet-from-the-sun.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mars<\/a>, among other exploration feats. The vehicle is designed to be fully and rapidly reusable (as evidenced by the Super Heavy launch-mount landing plan, which will slash the time needed between flights). This characteristic, combined with Starship&#8217;s unprecedented power, could revolutionize spaceflight, according to the company and Musk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <\/strong><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-super-heavy.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-super-heavy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Starship and Super Heavy explained<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>NASA is a believer in the vehicle, selecting it to be the first crewed lander for its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-program.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-program.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Artemis program<\/a> of moon exploration. If all goes to plan, Starship will land NASA astronauts on Earth&#8217;s nearest neighbor for the first time on the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-3-moon-landing-mission\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/artemis-3-moon-landing-mission\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Artemis 3<\/a> mission, which is targeted to launch in September 2026.<\/p>\n<p>SpaceX aims to get Starship up and running in time to meet such deadlines via its usual development strategy \u2014\u00a0tweaking the vehicle and testing those tweaks on test flights, then repeating the process. Indeed, the Flight 5 Starship featured some significant modifications compared to its predecessors.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;One of the key upgrades on Starship ahead of flight was a complete rework of its heat shield, with SpaceX technicians spending more than 12,000 hours replacing the entire thermal protection system with newer-generation tiles, a backup ablative layer and additional protections between the flap structures,&#8221; SpaceX wrote in a <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spacex.com\/launches\/mission\/?missionId=starship-flight-5\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.spacex.com\/launches\/mission\/?missionId=starship-flight-5\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"noopener\">Flight 5 mission description<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Starship&#8217;s previous four test flights occurred in April and November of 2023 and March and June of this year.<\/p>\n<p>The rocket has performed better on each successive flight. The debut mission lasted just four minutes, for example; SpaceX ordered a detonation high in the Texas sky after Starship&#8217;s two stages failed to separate. But <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-flight-4-test-launch-success\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-flight-4-test-launch-success\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flight 4<\/a>, which launched on June 6, was a complete success; Ship reached orbital velocity, and both it and Super Heavy survived their return to Earth, landing in their designated splashdown zones. And Starship took another leap today.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-waiting-game-3\">The waiting game<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-320-80.jpg\" alt=\"A giant SpaceX Starship lifts off with spectators watching from nearby boats in a bay\" class=\"expandable\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KdtfLWZWetfMAwJsmyar75.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The SpaceX Starship lifts off from Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, on October 13, 2024, for the Starship Flight 5 test.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Sergio Flores\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If it were up to SpaceX, Flight 5 likely would&#8217;ve been in the books two months ago; the company said that Starship was ready to go from a technical standpoint in early August.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Launches require approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), however, and the agency needed more time before greenlighting this one. Indeed, last month, the FAA said that it didn&#8217;t expect approval for Flight 5 to come before late November.<\/p>\n<p>The FAA explained its reasoning in an emailed statement to Space.com on Sept. 11.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;SpaceX&#8217;s current\u00a0<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/drs.faa.gov\/browse\/excelExternalWindow\/DRSDOCID173891218620231102140506.0001?modalOpened=true\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/drs.faa.gov\/browse\/excelExternalWindow\/DRSDOCID173891218620231102140506.0001?modalOpened=true\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"noopener\">license<\/a>\u00a0authorizing the Starship Flight 4 launch also allows for multiple flights of the same vehicle configuration and mission profile.\u00a0SpaceX chose to modify both for its proposed Starship Flight 5 launch, which triggered a more in-depth review,&#8221; agency officials wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-320-80.jpg\" alt=\"Views of a SpaceX Flight 5 Starship as it reenters Earth's atmophere, with red glowing plasma around it.\" class=\"expandable\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2vqBGUChJ5YCJ43Zsyue6g.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A view of a SpaceX Flight 5 Starship as it reenters Earth&#8217;s atmosphere, with red glowing plasma around it. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;In addition, SpaceX submitted new information in mid-August detailing how the environmental impact of Flight 5 will cover a larger area than previously reviewed,&#8221; they added. &#8220;This requires the FAA to consult with other agencies.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>SpaceX was not happy with the news. On Sept. 10, the company published a blog post titled &#8220;<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spacex.com\/updates\/#starships-fly\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.spacex.com\/updates\/#starships-fly\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"noopener\">Starships Are Meant to Fly<\/a>,&#8221; which claimed that the FAA had previously given SpaceX a mid-September estimate for Flight 5&#8217;s approval. The document also expressed frustration with the FAA&#8217;s pace and process and with launch-industry regulations in general.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-1200-80.png.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-320-80.png\" alt=\"Views of a SpaceX Flight 5 Starship as it reenters Earth's atmophere, with red glowing plasma around it.\" class=\"expandable\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-320-80.png 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-480-80.png 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-650-80.png 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-970-80.png 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-1024-80.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg-1200-80.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A5AZxpfBfi6AVgG3eaVFeg.png\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">This SpaceX video still shows several images of the four flaps on SpaceX&#8217;s Starship Flight 5 spacecraft, with one of them (top left) showing signs of burnthrough during reentry, but not as serious as that seen on Flight 4. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Flight 5 &#8220;delay was not based on a new safety concern, but instead driven by superfluous environmental analysis,&#8221; SpaceX wrote in the post.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We find ourselves delayed for unreasonable and exasperating reasons,&#8221; the company added. &#8220;Unfortunately, we continue to be stuck in a reality where it takes longer to do the government paperwork to license a\u00a0<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/29295-rocket-history.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/29295-rocket-history.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rocket<\/a>\u00a0launch than it does to design and build the actual hardware,&#8221; the company added. &#8220;This should never happen and directly threatens America&#8217;s position as the leader in space.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-320-80.jpg\" alt=\"At left, a SpaceX Starship wing glowing red as it reenters. On right, a fireball in the night after splashdown.\" class=\"expandable\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SQ5qF6atUauWyrMhMZxKJg.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">At left, a SpaceX Starship wing glowing red as it reenters. On right, a fireball in the night after splashdown. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: SpaceX)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the end, the late-November estimate for Flight 5 proved pessimistic.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And it&#8217;s safe to assume that SpaceX wants to launch another Starship mission relatively soon. Last month, SpaceX conducted a static fire \u2014\u00a0a common prelaunch test in which a rocket&#8217;s engines are fired while it remains anchored to the ground \u2014\u00a0<a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-number-six-static-fire-photo-video\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-number-six-static-fire-photo-video\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">with the Flight 6 Ship vehicle<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And there will be more test missions coming after that; SpaceX always has a few Starships in the queue, and it&#8217;s always itching to fly.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s note: <\/strong><\/em><em>This story was updated at 10:35 a.m. EDT to include new quotes, video and imagery for the successful Starship Flight 5 launch and landing test flight.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starship-flight-5-launch-super-heavy-booster-catch-success-video\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The biggest and most powerful rocket ever built took to the skies again. And this time, it came back. SpaceX [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5667"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5667\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tech.newat9.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}