Starship returns to Earth for first time

SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket has finally survived re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere and splashed down in the Indian Ocean on its fourth test mission


Second test, Nov 2023


121m

STARSHIP
50m tall, 9m wide

6 Raptor engines

Thermal tiles: Protect craft as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere at up to 1,377°C

33 Raptor engines

SUPER HEAVY 
71m tall


Launch: Boca Chica, Texas

Soft landing
Indian Ocean


FLIGHT
70 minutes

Jun 6: Lift-off
Ascent
Separation
Flip manoeuvre
Super Heavy descent
Super Heavy makes soft landing in Gulf of Mexico
Starship ascent
Engine cutoff
Coast phase
Starship re-entry

Starship achieves soft landing in Indian Ocean, despite loss of many tiles and damaged flap


Picture: SpaceX
Sources: SpaceX, NASA
© GRAPHIC NEWS