SpaceX launches Starship in major test flight

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on Tuesday from its Starbase facility in Texas, in the latest test of the world’s most powerful launch vehicle. Standing 403 feet tall, Starship is designed for future missions to the Moon and Mars and aims to be fully reusable.

This ninth test flight marked the first time a Super Heavy rocket was reused, as well as the third successful catch utilizing the launch tower's robotic arms—both of which are critical to quick reuse, Reuters reported.

The flight follows a mixed record of four previous failures and four successes. NASA plans to use a modified Starship as the crew lander for Artemis 3, its mission to return astronauts to the Moon.