BOCA CHICA, Texas — (BOCA CHICA, Texas) -- About three minutes after SpaceX's Starship rocket launched Thursday morning, the boosters failed to separate, and it was forced to self-destruct.
Despite not going according to plan, SpaceX said it was still a successful first part of the mission, and CEO Elon Musk congratulated the team.
In fact, Starship will be so cost-effective, it will eventually be able to deliver about 100 tons of cargo to any planet in the solar system, such as Mars, for as little as $50 million. At that rate, launch costs would decrease roughly 100 times from what they are now and could even result in daily launches. That would mean launch costs could be driven down to about $23 a pound, making cost no longer a significant barrier of getting to space.
The ability of Starship to take heavy loads, inexpensively, into space will open up not just the ability to colonize other planets, but it will create new opportunities for communications and Earth observation by taking tens of thousands of satellites into space for minimal cost. The number and types of satellites in orbit will no longer be limited by launch costs or the cargo bay of the rocket, often a big deterrent.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boca Chica Residents Welcome SpaceX Spectators, Prepare to Stream Starship Launch AttemptMonday’s disappointment has evolved into Thursday’s hope for those crowding Boca Chica Beach, near Brownsville, for the chance to see SpaceX’s Starship rocket launch into history.
Read more »
SpaceX’s Starship: Here’s why launch is still promising for NASA, despite fiery endThe first test launch of the world’s most powerful rocket ended dramatically as it broke apart in the sky. But there’s still a lot riding on it—including NASA’s ambition to return to the moon.
Read more »
Why SpaceX’s Starship explosion is a low-key successThe sheer scale of Starship, which is deemed the world’s most powerful rocket, and its successful liftoff is a feat in itself.
Read more »
SpaceX Starship set to launch Thursday atop the world's most powerful rocketLaunch window opens Thursday at 8:28 a.m. and closes at 9:30 a.m.
Read more »
SpaceX working 'many issues' ahead of Thursday Starship launch, Elon Musk says'Maybe 4/20, maybe not.'
Read more »
Watch Live: SpaceX Attempts First Starship Launch After Valve MishapSpaceX is targeting Thursday morning for the inaugural flight of the Starship megarocket.
Read more »