SpaceX Launches new starship prototype
Elon musk, founder and chief designer of SpaceX, has launched a newest 50m tall prototype of his starship vehicle -SN8 - from Texas.
The rocket was set in motion at the R&D facility located in Boca Chica. With no passengers on board, the rocket embarked on a brief flight of 12.5km, reports BBC.
SN8 looked slightly different compared to the previous launches and consisted of SpaceX's latest methane-burning Raptor engines.
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Prior to lift off, Musk had warned his fans to keep their hopes grounded in case of any unforeseeable setbacks. Although, Musk himself was full of expectations; he believes that this Starship is the future of his SpaceX Company.
With all the data collected, the starship will be able to hold passengers as well as cargo while it travels to the moon and Mars, envisions Elon Musk.
The Starship will also launch a booster called Super Heavy.
"Mars, here we come!!" he tweeted proudly.
SN8 was the first high-altitude suborbital flight attempt. Despite its crash landing, Musk congratulated his team on all the new data they achieved.
"Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD," explained Musk on his twitter account.
Earlier this year, Mr. Musk has stated that the Starship had become his most important consideration and that he believes that it can reshape the economics of space travel.
He also added that they will also debut a booster called Super Heavy; features will include 28 raptors which will be able to produce 70 meganewtons of thrust.
Elon Musk and his team of highly qualified officials have already started working on the next launch as they stand one step closer to their highly ambitious goals.
