The spacecraft completes simulated global flight as part of preparations for lunar and Mars missions
SpaceX successfully conducted the 11th test flight of its Starship rocket, the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built. The launch took place from southern Texas, with the vehicle traveling halfway around the globe before reentering the atmosphere and landing in the Indian Ocean.
The booster separated as planned, performing a controlled descent into the Gulf of Mexico, while the spacecraft executed a series of maneuvers in space before returning to Earth. No hardware was recovered after the mission, which focused on gathering performance data from ascent to reentry.
Key progress for NASA’s upcoming lunar missions
Starship plays a critical role in NASA’s lunar exploration program, as the agency plans to use the reusable vehicle to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back. NASA views the rocket’s progress as essential to achieving a crewed landing before the end of the decade.
This test included additional flight control and landing simulations over the Indian Ocean, building upon the success of previous missions. The spacecraft also carried eight mock satellites, similar in design to SpaceX’s Starlink models.
The mission lasted just over an hour, launching from Starbase near the Mexican border. SpaceX continues to upgrade its Cape Canaveral facilities to support future Starship launches while maintaining Falcon rocket operations for crew and cargo missions to the International Space Station.
