In an awe-inspiring display of power, a new video captures the magnitude of SpaceX's Starship megarocket during its third test flight. On March 14, the massive Starship vehicle, standing at a towering height of 400 feet (122 meters), lifted off from the company's manufacturing and test launch facilities near Boca Chica Beach at 9:25 a.m. EDT.

During the launch, slow-motion footage revealed shock waves rippling through the air as the rocket accelerated into the sky. Clouds of smoke billowed out around the two-stage spacecraft, which comprised the reusable Starship cruise vessel atop its Super Heavy rocket booster. With speeds surpassing the sound barrier, the Starship performed admirably, reaching orbital speed for the first time.

Designated Integrated Flight Test-3 (IFT-3), this mission marked the third test for the fully assembled Starship. Though both the Starship vehicle and the Super Heavy booster did not survive the intended splashdown, the objectives of the flight were largely met. Moments after liftoff, the 165-foot-tall (50 m) upper-stage of the rocket successfully detached from the booster.

Powered by 33 first-stage Raptor engines, the Super Heavy booster put on a fiery spectacle during separation. However, a planned relight of the engines for the booster's landing burn above the Gulf of Mexico did not occur, resulting in the loss of the booster.

Once separated, the upper stage of the Starship entered a suborbital coast phase, showcasing its ability to open and close its payload door in orbit. Additionally, the spacecraft demonstrated the transfer of super-cooled rocket propellant from one tank to another during spaceflight. Unfortunately, contact with the Starship was lost during reentry.

While the loss of both the Starship vehicle and Super Heavy booster is undoubtedly a setback, the spacecraft well-surpassed its previous two test flights, IFT-1 and IFT-2, which were marred by explosions shortly after launch.

Looking ahead, SpaceX has unveiled plans for at least six more test flights of the Starship this year. Pending regulatory approval following the investigation of IFT-3, the next test is anticipated to take place in early May. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will oversee the investigation into the third test flight of the SpaceX Starship.

SpaceX's relentless pursuit of perfecting the Starship is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. As the world eagerly awaits further developments, the Starship stands as a symbol of ambition and innovation in our journey to the stars.