SpaceX launches biggest Starship rocket yet in test flight

SpaceX launched its latest Starship rocket, the biggest yet, on a test flight from the southern tip of Texas on Friday. Employees erupted in cheers as the rocket, dubbed V3, blasted off just after 5:30 p.m. local time.

The third-generation Starship, standing over 407 feet (124 meters) tall when fully stacked, is larger than previous versions. This marked the 12th test flight for the rocket, which is designed for future NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

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You scored a goal for humanity.

The test flight experienced a few minor issues but concluded about an hour later when the rocket reached the Indian Ocean and impacted. Elon Musk reacted to the flight on X, writing, "You scored a goal for humanity."

The successful test flight comes as SpaceX prepares for what could be the largest initial public offering in history, reportedly set for next month. NASA is a key partner, utilizing SpaceX's Starship for its Artemis Program, which aims to land humans on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. NASA is also funding Blue Origin for lunar lander development for the program.

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We're looking forward to seeing this fly, because hopefully at some point in the not too distant future we're going to join up in Earth orbit.