OMM Redaksiyası
US aerospace company “SpaceX” launched its massive “Starship” rocket on Monday from its “Starbase” facility in South Texas, beginning the vehicle’s first mission intended to deploy satellites into Earth’s orbit.
The launch marked the 14th flight of the “Starship” system, but the first designed to reach orbit. The previous 13 flights followed suborbital trajectories, according to the source report.
Mission carries 26 “Starlink” satellites
The rocket is carrying 26 next-generation “Starlink Version 3” satellites, which “SpaceX” plans to deploy during the nearly 10-hour mission. The satellites are designed to expand the capacity of the company’s satellite internet service.
“Starship” is the largest rocket developed by “SpaceX” and is designed to be fully reusable. It consists of a first-stage booster known as “Super Heavy” and an upper-stage spacecraft called “Starship”.
Planned return to the Pacific Ocean
The spacecraft is expected to circle Earth about six times before firing an engine to leave orbit and splash down in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile.
“SpaceX” has said the vehicle will be needed to launch larger “Starlink” satellites intended to increase the capacity of its growing satellite internet network.
The flight is also a major test of “Starship’s” ability to move beyond repeated suborbital test flights and begin regular orbital missions.
Future Moon and Mars missions
Founded by billionaire Elon Musk, “SpaceX” is developing “Starship” to carry satellites, cargo and eventually people into orbit. The system is also intended to support future missions to the Moon and Mars.
The company plans to use the rocket for NASA’s “Artemis” programme, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, as well as for eventual crewed missions to Mars.
