SpaceX stuck the landing Wednesday on a test of its Starship prototype.
The Starship prototype – SN15 – soared to 10 kilometers (about 33,000 feet) into the sky, then had a successful landing at the company’s facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
SpaceX has conducted seven tests in the past six months. All of those rockets launched successfully, but all were ultimately destroyed during the test, either exploding in-air, on-impact, or shortly after landing. SpaceX has noted that each test provided valuable data in the development of the rocket.
“Starship landing nominal!” Chief Executive Elon Musk tweeted, indicating that the mission was a success.
Starship is the vehicle that SpaceX intends to transport humans to Mars. The stainless steel rocket is about 150 feet tall and powered by three of the company’s Raptor engines.
A new prototype, SN16, is currently being constructed in Boca Chica. It’s not clear if SpaceX intends to fly SN15 for another test.
Check out the livestream of launch below.
