On 19 November, SpaceX’s ambitious Starship launch system completed its sixth test flight from the Starbase facility near Brownsville, Texas, with the powerful Super Heavy booster splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico after a planned catch attempt was aborted. Despite the interruption, SpaceX continues to make strides in developing the Starship’s reusability, a critical feature for future missions aiming at reducing the costs and frequency of launches.
Launch Details and Goals
The 121-metre Starship system, which includes the Starship spacecraft mounted on the Super Heavy booster, lifted off within a 30-minute window that began at 5 p.m. ET. This uncrewed test flight is the fastest turnaround in SpaceX’s campaign, underscoring the company’s focus on refining Starship’s capabilities for long-duration space missions. SpaceX aims to employ Starship as a key component of NASA’s Artemis program, which seeks to return humans to the lunar surface by 2026, with Starship serving as a lunar lander.
The flight attracted significant attention, with US President-elect Donald Trump present at the event, accompanied by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. This public interest highlights Musk’s expanding influence and SpaceX’s alignment with governmental space initiatives.
Testing Reusability and Recovery Techniques
SpaceX initially planned to catch the Super Heavy booster using a pair of mechanical arms attached to a launch tower—referred to as “chopsticks.” However, during the flight, engineers decided not to proceed with the mid-air catch, citing that necessary conditions had not been met. As a result, the booster was safely guided to a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX’s approach prioritises safety, with the company explaining that specific checks must be fulfilled before a catch attempt, including system health on both the booster and tower and a final manual command from the Flight Director.
This follows SpaceX’s landmark achievement last month when they successfully caught a returning Super Heavy booster with the chopsticks for the first time. According to SpaceX, each test represents a significant learning step towards achieving rapid reusability, which could drastically cut costs and turnaround times for space missions.
Starship’s Role in NASA’s Artemis Program
NASA has contracted SpaceX to deliver a cost-efficient lunar transportation solution, with agreements potentially worth nearly $4 billion. Starship’s role in NASA’s Artemis program extends beyond transporting astronauts to the moon; the system is envisioned as a reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans and cargo to Mars. A successful deployment of the Starship’s reusability features is expected to enhance its economic viability and contribute to NASA’s long-term objectives of establishing a sustained human presence beyond Earth.
In the Artemis III mission, slated for 2026, Starship will act as a lunar lander. This mission will necessitate a series of complex docking operations with fuel tankers in orbit to allow the Starship to reach the lunar surface and return, a process that highlights the challenges and logistical requirements of long-duration space travel.
Test Flight Progress and Challenges
During the test flight, the Super Heavy booster’s 33 Raptor engines successfully lifted the Starship into orbit. After the booster separated from the Starship, it was directed back towards Earth. However, as conditions were not optimal for a catch attempt, the booster completed its descent with a controlled splashdown. This marks another data-rich flight for SpaceX, as engineers gather insights from each phase to refine the system for future launches.
Meanwhile, the Starship spacecraft fired up its own Raptor engines in space, a milestone which SpaceX claims is a first. This ability to reignite engines during flight is essential for achieving the complex maneuvers required for missions to the moon and Mars. SpaceX advisor and former NASA astronaut Garret Reisman emphasised the importance of this achievement, noting that reliably reigniting engines is crucial for Starship’s intended role in space exploration.
Overcoming Technical Hurdles
SpaceX has faced numerous technical challenges throughout Starship’s development. A previous test in June led to significant damage to the spacecraft, including the loss of critical heat shield tiles. These heat shields are vital for protecting the vehicle during reentry, where intense friction and pressure generate extreme heat. For the fifth test flight in October, SpaceX implemented extensive repairs and upgrades to the heat shield, improving durability and adding further layers of protection.
Each successive test flight has involved substantial engineering advancements, highlighting SpaceX’s iterative approach. The improvements to Starship’s heatshield illustrate the company’s commitment to resolving safety and performance challenges incrementally as they push towards fully operational reusable space vehicles.
Looking Forward: Next Steps and Milestones
In 2025, SpaceX plans to conduct additional trials, including long-duration flight tests and propellant transfer demonstrations. These upcoming tests will be instrumental in validating the Starship’s performance over extended periods and under more strenuous conditions. Propellant transfer, in particular, is considered vital for Artemis III’s lunar mission, as Starship will likely need multiple refuels in orbit before attempting a lunar landing.
Additionally, SpaceX is scheduled to undergo a “critical design review” next summer for the Artemis III mission, according to NASA’s Office of the Inspector General. This review will evaluate whether the Starship system meets the stringent requirements set for the Artemis program, with any identified issues requiring rectification before further advancement.
