SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy embarks on 3rd test flight, eyeing moon missions ahead

SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy rocket embarked on its third test flight from the company’s Texas facility, marking a significant milestone in the quest for space exploration. This spacecraft, engineered for full reusability, aims to transport humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Following the enhancements made after two prior unsuccessful attempts, SpaceX announced the completion of the Starship’s Raptor engine burn and its entry into a coast phase. With a fuel load exceeding 4500 metric tonnes, these adjustments, derived from insights from past launches, have notably improved both the spacecraft and its support infrastructure on the ground.

The launch took place at 9:25 EDT on March 14, with plans for the spacecraft to splash down in the Indian Ocean, diverging from previous attempts aimed near Hawaii. This time, SpaceX implemented numerous upgrades, including changes to the booster, ship, and flight trajectory, intending to demonstrate key functionalities like the payload dispenser door, the ability to reignite a Raptor engine in space, and execute in-space cryogenic propellant transfers.

Standing at 400 feet tall, the rocket plays a crucial role in NASA’s Artemis 3 lunar mission, supporting the agency’s goal for sustained lunar exploration. Recently, NASA and SpaceX completed tests on a docking system vital for facilitating transfers between spacecraft during lunar missions.

In the envisioned Artemis III mission, astronauts will journey to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft, then dock with Starship HLS for their descent to the Moon. After lunar exploration, Starship will return the crew to Orion in orbit. Future missions are expected to involve transfers between Orion and Starship through the Gateway lunar space station, utilizing a docking system based on the technology from the Dragon 2 missions to the International Space Station, allowing Starship to dock with either Orion or the Gateway.