SpaceX performs third test of the Starship
On 14 March 2024, the SpaceX Starship lifted off at 08:25 CT time from Starbase in Texas, United States, on its third test flight. The launch and flight were hailed as a success by SpaceX, and will provide valuable data in the development of the Starship, and accomplished several major milestones for the project.
Scott Neumann, President of the FAI Astronautic Records Commission (ICARE) extended his organisation’s congratulations on the achievements made by the SpaceX team:
“The FAI Astronautic Records Commission (ICARE) congratulates SpaceX on the successful launch and orbital test mission of the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy booster! This flight marks a significant milestone in the development of a fully reuseable spacecraft and an impressive demonstration of the most powerful spacecraft ever flown.
Just like the ubiquitous covered wagons took the pioneers across the prairies during the westward expansion of the American Old West, we look forward to Starship becoming a highly capable and versatile spacecraft that will carry humankind into the solar system.”
About Starship
Starship’s purpose is to be a fully reusable transport system capable of carrying cargo and up to 100 crew to Earth orbit, the Moon and even Mars or beyond.
The whole Starship vessel measures 121m in length, and is capable of carrying up to 150 metric tonnes. The Super Heavy booster which forms part of the Starship has 33 Raptor engines and measures 71m, with a propellant capacity of 3,400t and 7,590tf thrust.
