SpaceX launch – live: Starship SN15 launches and lands in critical flight over Texas – The Independent

SpaceX has successfully launched and landed a prototype of its Mars-bound Starship rocket. The next-generation spacecraft lifted off from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, on Wednesday.

Starship SN15s high-altitude flight test follows four previous attempts that all ended in massive explosions. SpaceX boss Elon Musk said previous issues with the rockets Raptor engines had been fixed six ways to Sunday.

The latest attempt took place at around 5.30pm local time (11.30pm BST) on Wednesday, after airspace clearance was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), road closures were in place with Cameron County, and marine hazard notices had been issued.

An official live stream of the launch was shared by SpaceX, which you can see below.

If you missed it, you can watch a replay of SpaceXs Starship SN15 flight test here:

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:46

It was a long wait but worth it in the end. Well continue to bring you any major updates but until then you can read the full story of Starship SN15s milestone test right here:

Anthony Cuthbertson6 May 2021 00:09

SpaceX boss Elon Musk confirms that the test has been a success. The fire at the base of the Starship rocket has also been put out.

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:43

There is a slight fire at the base of Starship SN15 but that is a huge success for SpaceX and a massive milestone passed for Elon Musks Mars ambitions.

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:34

(SpaceX)

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:33

Five minutes into the flight and were reaching the critical moment now. Can Starship SN15 stick the landing?

(SpaceX)

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:30

The official live stream has frozen but the rockets still appear to be firing and 3 and half minutes into the flight were approaching 10km apogee.

After hovering for a moment, Starship will begin its belly-flop descent controlled by its flaps.

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:29

Were not going to be able to see a lot as Starship SN15 heads up towards an altitude of 10km. Only the onboard cameras are giving any indication of the rockets progress as it disappears into the clouds.

(SpaceX)

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:27

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:24

(SpaceX)

Anthony Cuthbertson5 May 2021 23:23

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SpaceX launch - live: Starship SN15 launches and lands in critical flight over Texas - The Independent