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SpaceX Achieves First Successful Starship Booster Splashdown

Elon Musk outlines plans for upgraded heat shields and a daring booster catch in upcoming test flights.

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Starship blasts off from SpaceX's private South Texas launchpad on its fourth test flight, and later demonstrated a soft splashdown of its Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico on June 6, 2024.

Overview

  • Starship's fourth test flight saw both stages achieve a controlled splashdown in the ocean.
  • SpaceX plans to reinforce Starship's heat shield tiles to prevent them from falling off during reentry.
  • Future test flights will attempt to catch the booster using the launch tower's arms.
  • Musk aims for the next Starship flight to take place within a month.
  • Long-term goals include establishing a self-sustaining city on Mars with regular Starship missions.