The first SpaceX Starship orbital flight is now expected to be a reality. For the past few years, Elon Musk tried to conduct successful flight tests to send the giant spacecraft into space.
People watch as the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 2019 in Titusville, Florida. The rocket is carrying a communications satellite built by Lockheed Martin into orbit.
However, SpaceX's aircraft always end up in accidents. All of the four previous test flights were unsuccessful. But, back in 2021, the giant independent space agency was able to successfully launch, with Starship landing safely for the first time.
Now, the popular billionaire said on Thursday, Jan. 10, that they would try to send Starship into its first orbital flight around March or April.
First SpaceX Starship Orbital Flight
According to USA Today's latest report, Elon Musk provided an update for his giant spacecraft after two years.
A prototype of SpaceX's Starship spacecraft is seen at the company's Texas launch facility on September 28, 2019 in Boca Chica near Brownsville, Texas. The Starship spacecraft is a massive vehicle meant to take people to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Also Read: SpaceX Starlink Satellites Are Bringing More Than Just Super-Fast Internet
"This is really some wild stuff here. In fact, hard to believe it's real," he said while standing near the 390-foot long spacecraft. He shouted to the crowd that they will make the first-ever orbital flight of the SpaceX Starship a reality.
Once it is in orbit, NASA will land astronauts on the moon. This activity is expected to start around 2025.
As of the moment, SpaceX only plans to deliver Starlink internet satellites. On the other hand, if the first orbital flight is a success, Elon Musk is expected to release a fleet of Starships.
Once this happens, it will start the billionaire's planned Mars colonization.
Starship as World's Tallest Spacecraft
Space.Com reported that SpaceX's Starship is the tallest spacecraft across the globe. Standing 395 feet tall, if it is connected to a Super Heavy rocket booster, this massive rocket is around 30 feet longer than NASA's Saturn V moon rocket.
On the other hand, Starship is made of stainless steel. It is specifically designed to carry humans across space. But, further tests are still needed to ensure safety.
In other news, Elon Musk became a member of the National Academy of Engineering, thanks to his advanced SpaceX design. Meanwhile, 40 SpaceX Starlink satellites were allegedly hit by a geomagnetic storm.
For more news updates about SpaceX and other giant space agencies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
