Donald Trump and Elon Musk Witness SpaceX Launch Together, However Test Flight Faces Setback | US News
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, recently conducted a test launch of its Starship rocket in the presence of President-elect Donald Trump, but the flight did not go as planned.
The rocket, standing at 400 feet (122 meters) high, is intended for missions to the moon and Mars and took off from Boca Chica, Texas.
However, the first stage, known as Super Heavy, unexpectedly splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of attempting to return to its launchpad, indicating a malfunction occurred.
SpaceX’s Starship launched as expected in Texas. Pic: Reuters
Pic: SpaceX
President Trump’s presence reflects a deepening partnership with Musk, potentially benefiting from his recent election win.
The expectation is for favorable treatment from the government for SpaceX and Tesla, both companies owned by Musk.
Musk has been appointed by Trump to co-lead a new government efficiency initiative.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk arriving ahead of the launch. Pic: Reuters
Mr Trump listening as Mr Musk explains the test flight. Pic: Reuters
After separating from the Starship second stage, the booster was meant to return to Boca Chica, Texas, and be secured using what SpaceX describes as “chopsticks.”
However, the tower catch was aborted four minutes into the test flight, with the booster landing in the water three minutes later.
SpaceX announced, “We are a no-go for tower catch,” citing unmet criteria but not specifying the issue.
The SpaceX Starship rocket booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico. Pic: SpaceX
Pic: SpaceX
Later, the Starship rocket also made a water landing in the Indian Ocean off the northern coast of Australia.
It re-entered the atmosphere in a “belly flop” position before the central engines rotated it upright.
Analysis: This is not the outcome any party wanted to see
Elon Musk will likely be disappointed in the failure to catch the booster while being observed by Donald Trump.
This was a missed opportunity to showcase efficiency and reusability, key aspects of Trump’s vision for his presidency.
Trump aims to associate himself with success, and missing this chance was a setback.
The test flight had political significance, and the outcome was likely not what any party desired.
Progress towards lunar mission
This test marked the sixth for SpaceX’s largest and most potent rocket, intended for moon and Mars missions in collaboration with NASA.
Objectives included testing engine ignition in space and conducting thermal protection experiments.
SpaceX aims to fully recycle and reuse the Starship to reduce space transportation costs.
NASA has contracted SpaceX for over $4 billion to land astronauts on the moon using the Starship in the upcoming missions.
