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SpaceX\u2019s Starship earned high marks today in its fourth uncrewed flight test, making significant progress in the development of a launch system that\u2019s tasked with putting NASA astronauts on the moon by as early as 2026.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The Super Heavy booster blasted off from SpaceX\u2019s Starbase complex in South Texas at 7:50 a.m. CT (5:50 a.m. PT), rising into the sky with 32 of its 33 methane-fueled Raptor engines blazing. Super Heavy is considered the world\u2019s most powerful launch vehicle, with 16.7 million pounds of thrust at liftoff.<\/p>\n Minutes after launch, the rocket\u2019s upper stage \u2014 known as the Ship \u2014 separated from the first stage, firing up its own set of six Raptor engines. Meanwhile, Super Heavy flew itself to a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.<\/p>\n The soft splashdown marked a new achievement for Starship. During the third flight test, which took place in March, only a few of Super Heavy\u2019s engines were able to light up again for a crucial landing burn. As a result, the booster hit the water with an uncontrolled splat.<\/p>\n Eventually, SpaceX plans to have the Super Heavy booster fly itself back to its base after doing its job.<\/p>\n \n