SpaceX successfully flies Mars prototype rocket for the first time - CNBC

SpaceX's prototype rocket "Starhopper" flies for the first time on a short flight, which saw the rocket launch and land.

@elonmusk | gif by @thesheetztweetz

SpaceX launched and landed its Starhopper rocket in its first flight, a short test that saw the company take a giant leap forward in its development of a next-generation rocket.

The rocket is the prototype for SpaceX's vehicle called Starship. The company is building the enormous rocket to achieve its goal of transporting up to 100 people in space to destinations including the moon and Mars.

"Starhopper flight successful," SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet.

Musk posted a video SpaceX took of Thursday's flight test from a flying drone nearby. The flight took place at SpaceX's facility in Boca Chica Beach, Texas.

The rocket lifted off the ground for the first time after months testing. SpaceX attempted the flight the previous night but stopped seconds after the engine fired. Although official data from Thursday's test flight has not yet been made available, SpaceX said previously that it was intending to fly Starhopper about 65 feet in the air.

Starship is built to be fully reusable, meaning the entire rocket will be able to launch, land and launch again — more akin to an airplane than a traditional rocket. Currently, SpaceX is able to land and reuse part of its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. But Starship would take that to the next level and, especially, would help lower the cost per flight of a rocket launch.

Starhopper back on the launch pad after the first flight

SpaceX's prototype rocket "Starhopper" stands on its launchpad after completing its first flight.

@elonmusk | gif by @thesheetztweetz

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https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/26/spacex-flies-starship-prototype-rocket-starhopper-for-the-first-time.html

2019-07-26 12:02:11Z
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