SpaceX successfully landed its reusable Super Heavy launch vehicle for the first time. This largest rocket, carrying the Starship prototype, took off in Texas.
This marked the fifth test launch from the site, and fans watched the event live on the company’s page on the X social network.
The reusable rocket system has two parts. The Super Heavy launch vehicle lifted Starship spacecraft into orbit.
After launching booster returned to the launch site and was caught by levers. After an hour in orbit around Earth, the crewed Starship was sunk in the Indian Ocean.
Previously, SpaceX launched the rocket four times, with only two flights successful. Since June’s launch the company has focused on improving the ship’s thermal protection, replacing the Starship’s skin to protect its flaps.
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX leads the company’s efforts. Beyond space technology, he also working on other innovations such as humanoid robots and a driverless taxi without steering wheel from Tesla.