SpaceX launch - live: Starship SN15 launches and lands in critical flight over Texas

SpaceX has successfully launched and landed a prototype of its Mars-bound Starship rocket. The next-generation spacecraft lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, on Wednesday.

Starship SN15’s high-altitude flight test follows four previous attempts that all ended in massive explosions. SpaceX boss Elon Musk said previous issues with the rocket’s Raptor engines had been fixed “six ways to Sunday”.

The latest attempt took place at around 5.30pm local time (11.30pm BST) on Wednesday, after airspace clearance was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), road closures were in place with Cameron County, and marine hazard notices had been issued.

An official live stream of the launch was shared by SpaceX, which you can see below.

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[5 May 2021 23:46 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Watch the full Starship launch stream

If you missed it, you can watch a replay of SpaceX’s Starship SN15 flight test here:

[6 May 2021 00:09 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Thanks for joining us...

It was a long wait but worth it in the end. We’ll continue to bring you any major updates but until then you can read the full story of Starship SN15’s milestone test right here:

[5 May 2021 23:43 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

'Starship landing nominal!’

SpaceX boss Elon Musk confirms that the test has been a success. The fire at the base of the Starship rocket has also been put out.

[5 May 2021 23:34 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

SpaceX Starship is massive milestone

There is a slight fire at the base of Starship SN15 but that is a huge success for SpaceX and a massive milestone passed for Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions.

[5 May 2021 23:33 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

BREAKING - Starship SN15 has landed!

(SpaceX)

[5 May 2021 23:30 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Starship live stream video returns

Five minutes into the flight and we’re reaching the critical moment now. Can Starship SN15 stick the landing?

(SpaceX)

[5 May 2021 23:29 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

SpaceX live stream of Starship SN15 freezes

The official live stream has frozen but the rockets still appear to be firing and 3 and half minutes into the flight we’re approaching 10km apogee.

After hovering for a moment, Starship will begin its belly-flop descent controlled by its flaps.

[5 May 2021 23:27 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Starship SN15 disappears into the clouds

We’re not going to be able to see a lot as Starship SN15 heads up towards an altitude of 10km. Only the onboard cameras are giving any indication of the rocket’s progress as it disappears into the clouds.

(SpaceX)

[5 May 2021 23:24 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

We have lift-off!

Here we go again...

[5 May 2021 23:23 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

T-Minus 2 minutes

(SpaceX)