Current:Home > StocksSpaceX is preparing its mega rocket for a second test flight -WealthSphere Pro
SpaceX is preparing its mega rocket for a second test flight
View
Date:2025-04-16 17:55:08
SpaceX aimed for a second test flight of its mega rocket Starship on Saturday, counting down to a morning liftoff from South Texas.
The first test flight in April ended in an explosion shortly after liftoff. The goal is to send the rocketship around the world before ditching it in the ocean near Hawaii.
SpaceX spent the past several months making improvements to both the rocket and launch pad, located at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexico border. The Federal Aviation Administration gave the all-clear to fly earlier this week.
The nearly 400-foot (121-meter) Starship is the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket. SpaceX’s Elon Musk intends to use a fleet of them to get people to the moon and Mars.
If all goes well, the booster will drop into the Gulf of Mexico and the bullet-shaped spacecraft will continue out over the Atlantic and Pacific, before falling into the ocean near Hawaii. SpaceX is targeting an altitude of 150 miles (240 kilometers).
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Costco is selling dupe of luxury Anthropologie mirror, shoppers weigh in on social media
- When does 'The Bachelor' start? Season 28 premiere date, how to watch and stream
- Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Diagnosed With Skin Cancer After Breast Cancer Battle
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- In Pennsylvania’s Senate race, McCormick elevates Israel-Hamas war in bid for Jewish voters
- Convicted killer attacked by victim's stepdad during sentencing in California courtroom
- A Russian private jet carrying 6 people crashes in Afghanistan. The Taliban say some survived
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Oscar nomination predictions: Who's in for sure (what's up, RDJ!) and who may get snubbed
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says not to assume about what the next election is going to bring
- Two opposition leaders in Senegal are excluded from the final list of presidential candidates
- Taylor Swift, Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce Unite to Cheer on Travis Kelce at Chiefs Playoffs Game
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Packers vs. 49ers highlights: Brock Purdy comes through with late rally
- The Doobie Brothers promise 'a show to remember' for 2024 tour: How to get tickets
- Looking to eat more protein? Consider adding chicken to your diet. Here's why.
Recommendation
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
A caravan of migrants from Honduras headed north toward the US dissolves in Guatemala
Sarah, the Duchess of York, diagnosed with malignant melanoma found during breast cancer treatment
Taylor Swift, Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce Unite to Cheer on Travis Kelce at Chiefs Playoffs Game
The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
Sarah, the Duchess of York, diagnosed with malignant melanoma found during breast cancer treatment
Jordan Love’s promising debut season as Packers starter ends with big mistakes vs. 49ers
Houthi rebels launch missile attack on yet another U.S.-owned commercial ship, Pentagon says