SpaceX performs sixth test launch of Starship spacecraft

SpaceX has carried out the sixth test launch of the Starship spacecraft. The relevant information follows from the broadcast, which was conducted on the night of November 20 on the official page of the company in the social network X (former Twitter).

Starship is launched to return the Super Heavy rocket booster to the launch pad and re-engage the ship's Raptor engine in space. In addition, the tests also include a series of heat shielding experiments and maneuvering practice for the ship's return to Earth.

As reported by CNN, American President-elect Donald Trump attended the launch of the Starship spacecraft. Along with him, billionaire Ilon Musk attended the event.

The first Starship launch took place on April 20, 2023, but the rocket collapsed minutes after liftoff. However, also on the second launch, on November 18, the first stage of the rocket booster exploded in mid-air 10 minutes into the flight. Communication with the ship was lost.

Starship next launched on March 14 from the SpaceX Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX later reported the loss of communication with the Starship rocket at the end of the test flight. Presumably, the spacecraft fell into the Indian Ocean.

On June 6, the fourth test of the Space X rocket complex, consisting of a Super Heavy booster and a Starship spacecraft, took place. During the test, the ship entered the dense layers of the atmosphere, at an altitude of about 50 km there was a destruction of steering surfaces, but it did not prevent the ship to keep a stable flight and reduce the speed before docking to 400 km / h.

Then on October 13, the fifth Starship launch was made, as a result of which it was possible to return the rocket stage to the ground for the first time, using a new method with the use of large metal levers.