Space travel
Third test launch of the “Starship” rocket system planned
The SpaceX mega rocket “Starship” is being prepared for a test flight from the Starbase in Boca Chica. photo
© Eric Gay/AP/dpa
With a total height of 120 meters, Elon Musk’s “Starship” is taller than the Statue of Liberty. Two tests went differently than hoped – now a third is planned.
During a first test last April, the entire rocket system exploded after just a few minutes. During a second test in November, the two rocket stages separated and the upper one continued to fly for a while, but shortly afterwards both exploded separately.
The “Starship” – consisting of the approximately 70 meter long “Super Heavy” booster and the approximately 50 meter long upper stage, also called “Starship” – is intended to enable manned missions to the Moon and Mars. The system is designed so that the spacecraft and rocket can be reused after returning to Earth. The system, which is around 120 meters long in total, will be able to transport well over 100 tons of cargo in the future. NASA wants to take astronauts to the moon with the “Starship”. SpaceX hopes to one day get to Mars.