Boca Chica, Texas — After a mid-day delay on Wednesday caused by a computer auto shut-off after initial ignition with 0.1 seconds to launch, SpaceX successfully tested a Starship prototype by launching it 10 km up and having it land successfully.
A similar test in early February led to an explosion when the landing thrusters overshot their target, causing the rocket to tip and explode.
This time the rocket landed successfully, touching down, flipping over after a sideways descent successfully and without incident, only to meet a similar fate to earlier launches when a post-landing failure caused the rocket to explode on the platform.
The Starship program is in the early stages of design for human transporting, reusable craft with the long-term goal of landing on Mars hitching a ride on the simultaneously developed Super Heavy booster stage.
This launch wasn’t the only news for SpaceX on Wednesday as it was also announced that they intend to fly nine civilians on a trip to orbit the Moon, financed by Japanese fashion billionaire Yusaku Maezawa in 2023.
Maezawa, who is covering the entire cost, invited the general public from around the world to submit applications to join him.
While the goal is ambitious, this is not the first time Maezawa has talked of a similar plan. In fact, he mentioned a similar goal in 2018 with various world artists that had never materialized.
However, with various private firms and countries turning their eyes to the Moon, the technology to return is perhaps only months away at any given point.
Applicants interested in joining Maezawa can apply at the website dearmoon.earth through March 14.
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