In an ambitious step towards interplanetary travel, SpaceX's Starship rocket completed its third test flight, reaching orbital velocity and advancing further than its previous attempts. Although contact with the unmanned spacecraft was lost during reentry over the Indian Ocean, the flight was still considered a success by the company.

The launch took place at SpaceX's base in Boca Chica, Texas, at 8:25 a.m. local time. The company's CEO, Elon Musk, celebrated the accomplishment on social media, stating, "Starship reached orbital velocity! Congratulations @SpaceX team!!" Meanwhile, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson also expressed his praise, writing, "Congrats to @SpaceX on a successful test flight! Starship has soared into the heavens. Together, we are making great strides through Artemis to return humanity to the Moon-then look onward to Mars."

With its sights set on lunar and Martian exploration, SpaceX views the Starship rocket as an essential component for these endeavors. The company plans for Starship to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights, as well as facilitate satellite delivery, the establishment of a Moon base, and even point-to-point transportation on Earth. Described by Musk as "the largest flying object ever made," the Starship rocket weighs approximately 5,000 tons.

This successful test flight comes after a second attempt in November 2023, which ended in the booster exploding upon separation and the spacecraft seemingly detonating in space. Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation, led by SpaceX, to determine the cause and implement preventive measures. Only after the FAA was satisfied with the findings and addressed any potential safety risks did they grant approval for the third test flight.

During Thursday's flight, which lasted over 45 minutes, contact with the Starship rocket was lost by the command center. The FAA reassured the public that no injuries or property damage were reported, and stated that they would oversee SpaceX's investigation into the mishap during the third launch involving the Super Heavy booster and Starship vehicle. The FAA aims to ensure that the company adheres to its approved mishap investigation plan and fulfills all regulatory requirements.

SpaceX's determination to push the boundaries of space exploration remains unwavering, even in the face of setbacks. As they continue to fine-tune their technologies and learn from each test, they bring us one step closer to a future where interplanetary travel becomes a reality.