SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket, marking another milestone for Elon Musk’s space exploration company. The launch took place on Thursday, June 6, from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This event highlights the growing focus on the reusability of spacecraft.
SpaceX’s Starship, described as one of the most powerful rockets ever built, features a starship spacecraft with ‘super heavy’ rocket boosters. The system is powered by 32 of its 33 engines. This launch comes after two failed attempts in 2023, which resulted in explosions.
Other private players like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have also been active in the space sector. However, these companies have mainly focused on space tourism rather than space exploration. Boeing recently became the second private company to launch a rocket, with the Starliner aircraft.
Globally, there is a renewed interest in the space race. NASA is working on the Artemis mission to put astronauts back on the moon. India’s ISRO and China’s space agency are also making significant strides. Recently, China landed a mission on the southern side of the moon and drilled for material to analyse.
Although SpaceX is not a listed company, Elon Musk’s Tesla saw a 1.68 per cent increase in its stock value, bringing it to USD 177.94. This reflects the positive impact of SpaceX’s achievements on Musk’s ventures.
SpaceX’s success underscores its leadership in space exploration. The emphasis on reusability could pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective space missions in the future.
