SpaceX is set to undertake its third test flight of the Starship spaceship and Super Heavy rocket launcher. It will launch from the company’s Starbase launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, during a 110-minute window that begins at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, the FAA awarded SpaceX a launch authorization, paving the path for this third try.
The Starship launched at 9:25 a.m. ET, completing a hot-stage separation with the booster rocket and successfully attaining orbital velocity, according to Elon Musk. This Starship prototype skipped a planned effort to relight its Raptor engines in orbit and was set to splash down in the Indian Ocean approximately an hour after takeoff.
This newest Starship test comes after two failed efforts last year, with the rocket spinning out of control and exploding around four minutes after launch in April, and a second attempt in November that also ended in flames.
SpaceX’s live broadcast has concluded, but we will continue to provide mission updates as they become available.
