Starship launch news – live: SpaceX launches world’s biggest rocket, which explodes shortly after
A video shows the explosion of Elon Musk’s Starship rocket as it blows up right after take off from its launch site
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Your support makes all the difference.SpaceX has launched the world’s biggest rocket – which exploded seconds later.
The spacecraft successfully left its launchpad, but the two parts of the rocket failed to separate and they exploded in a dramatic cloud minutes later.
SpaceX nonetheless hailed the test as a success, having said that any flight that did not blow up the rocket’s launchpad would be considered a “win”.
Mr Musk said that the information gained from the test would be used to guide work on future versions of the spacecraft, the next text of which he said will happen in a “few months”.
You can follow all the latest news and updates right here after SpaceX’s launch of the most powerful and largest rocket the world has ever seen.
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Moment SpaceX halts Starship rocket launch minutes before anticipated lift-off
SpaceX livestream available on YouTube channel
It’s not actually showing anything yet, but the live video offered by SpaceX is available on its channel. There, you can sign up for a notification when it does actually go live, as well as see a countdown to when that will happen.
‘Quite the day’: Musk has lots going on for 4/20
It’s not just the rocket launch happening for Elon Musk today – he’s also getting rid of “legacy” blue verified ticks on Twitter. He sounds excited.
What to expect in Starship launch
A successful test flight would see the Starship capsule flying almost completely around the Earth from Texas and splashing down in the sea off Hawaii.
The Super Heavy booster is expected to splash into the Gulf of Mexico about 8 minutes after liftoff.
SpaceX noted that the capsule would reach an altitude of about 240km (150 miles) and travel around the Earth before re-entring and splashing down into the Pacific Ocean.
Elon Musk says systems ‘green’ for launch
SpaceX chief Elon Musk tweeted on Thursday ahead of the anticipated Starship launch that all systems are ready.
“All systems currently green for launch,” Musk tweeted.
The company noted in a blog post earlier that it is targeting a 62-minute launch window opening at 8:28 am CT and closing at 9:30 a.m. CT.
Tests conducted so far on Starship, Super Heavy
SpaceX has so far conducted multiple sub-orbital flight tests of Starship’s upper stage.
These flight tests, the company says, have helped it validate the vehicle’s design and prove that it can fly through the subsonic phase of entry.
They have also shown it can re-light its engines and allign itself to a vertical configuration for landing.
Its teams have also previously conducted several tests of the Super Heavy rocket and have successfully constructed the world’s tallest rocket launch and catch tower that stands at 146m (nearly 500 ft).
SpaceX noted in its blog post that for the first flight test on Thursday, it will not attempt a vertical landing of Starship or a catch of its Super Heavy booster.
When live webcast of launch would begin
SpaceX noted in a blog post that the live webcast of the Starship flight test will begin about 45 minutes before liftoff.
Liftoff is scheduled for a 62 minute launch window that opens at 8:28 am CT and closes at 9:30 am CT.
“As is the case with all developmental testing, this schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for updates,” the company noted.
Teams continue to work towards launch window, SpaceX says
SpaceX tweeted that its teams continue working towards the launch window today.
The company said the launch window for its powerful Starship spacecraft, designed to carry both crew and cargo to orbit, would open at 8:28 am CT.
“The 62-minute launch window opens at 8:28 a.m. CT and closes at 9:30 a.m. CT,” the company noted in a blog post.
Launch date has special significance for Musk
Elon Musk has been enjoying the prospect of a launch on 4/20. (Even if he has since suggested that it might not happen after all.) But why is he so into the number?
SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 carrying Starlink into space
It’s a lot more routine than Starship, but SpaceX has had at least one success this week. It just launched a Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a set of Starlink internet satellites.
You can watch video of it going up here.
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