Musk’s SpaceX catches booster but Starship disintegrates

SpaceX launched its massive Starship rocket on Thursday, embarking on its most intricate test yet.

The 400-foot (123-meter) rocket took off from Texas, heading over the Gulf of Mexico in the late afternoon, as Elon Musk aimed to refine booster recovery and edge closer to Mars.

Booster Catch: A High-Stakes Test

Musk hoped to replicate October’s successful booster capture with the “chopstick” arms on the launch pad. Despite enhancements to the catch tower, past challenges loomed large, as a failed attempt in November caused sensor damage. This time, SpaceX aimed for precision, reusing an engine from last year’s successful grab. If all went well, the booster would return to Boca Chica Beach, but SpaceX warned perfection was essential.

But Musk’s company later said Starship broke apart — what it called a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.” The spacecraft’s six engines appeared to shut down one by one during ascent, with contact lost just 8 1/2 minutes into the flight.

The spacecraft — a new and upgraded model making its debut — was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas on a near loop around the world similar to previous test flights. SpaceX had packed it with 10 dummy satellites for practice at releasing them.

Demo Mission With Upgraded Features

The spacecraft, equipped with 10 dummy satellites mimicking Starlink units, was designed to demonstrate satellite release and flight paths. These satellites, however, will burn up upon reentry. To conclude the one-hour mission, the spacecraft is set to ditch into the Indian Ocean. Musk envisions Starship soon carrying real Starlink satellites and, eventually, human crews.

Mars and Beyond

This marks Starship’s seventh flight, as Musk pushes toward Mars. NASA has already contracted SpaceX for two Starship missions to land astronauts on the moon later this decade. “Every Starship launch is one more step closer towards Mars,” Musk posted on X before liftoff.

Blue Origin’s Rival Launch

Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin achieved a milestone of its own, launching its New Glenn rocket from Florida. The rocket reached orbit on its debut, deploying an experimental satellite. However, its first-stage booster missed its landing target, ending up destroyed in the Atlantic.

Both launches highlight the growing intensity in the private space race, with Musk and Bezos competing to redefine humanity’s reach into the stars.