SpaceX's Starship, targeting moon missions in future, burns up after 3rd test flight

SpaceX's Starship, during its return journey to Earth, was destroyed. Taking off from Boca Chica, Texas over the Gulf of Mexico, the spacecraft circumnavigated the globe. However, communication was severed in the final stages of the test as it descended back into the atmosphere. It is presumed that the craft either disintegrated or burned up during re-entry.

SpaceX's Dan Huot confirmed, "The ship has been lost. So no splashdown today. But again, it's incredible to see how much further we got this time around." Elon Musk also shared on his social media platform, X, "SpaceX has come a long way."

SpaceX launched its third test flight of its Starship Super Heavy rocket from its Texas base, in a leap forward in space exploration. Starship by SpaceX is a fully reusable spacecraft designed to carry humans and cargo to destinations such as the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

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This latest test flight follows meticulous upgrades implemented by SpaceX after two previous unsuccessful launches.

"Starship’s Raptor engine burn is complete and Starship has entered a coast phase," SpaceX had said while providing an update on the rocket. Notably, thespacecraft was loaded with over 4,500 metric tonnes of propellant.

These enhancements, informed by invaluable insights gained from previous attempts, have resulted in substantial improvements to both the spacecraft and its ground support systems.

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The launch was scheduled for 9:25 EDT on March 14. SpaceX had vied for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, whilethe earlier attempts included a splashdown near Hawaii.

In this launch, SpaceX had introduced a plethora of enhancements, including modifications to the booster and ship, along with a revised flight path. The mission aimed to showcase several pivotal features such as the payload dispenser door, the capability to relight a Raptor in Space, and the ability to conduct in-space cryogenic propellant transfer.

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NASA is gearing up to use the Starship for its upcoming Artemis 3 lunar mission.As part of NASA's Artemis initiative aimed at establishing sustainable scientific exploration on the Moon, astronauts will need to transition between various spacecraft for lunar landings.

Recently, NASA and SpaceX conducted qualification testing for the docking system crucial for enabling this capability.

In the Artemis III mission scenario, astronauts will travel from Earth to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft.

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Upon docking with the lunar lander, the Starship Human Landing System (HLS),will transfer to it for descent to the lunar surface. Following completion of surface activities, Starship will transport the astronauts back to Orion, awaiting them in lunar orbit.

Subsequent missions will involve astronauts transitioning between Orion and Starship via the Gateway lunar space station. Drawing upon SpaceX's proven Dragon 2 docking system usedin missions to the International Space Station, the Starship docking system is adaptable to connect the lander either to Orion or to the Gateway.

(With inputs from agencies)