SpaceX launches Starship rocket but cancels booster catch attempt

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from Texas on Tuesday but did not attempt to catch the booster with mechanical arms, unlike a successful attempt last month. The booster was directed to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico after the catch was called off four minutes into the flight. The Starship spacecraft completed a flight path similar to previous tests, aiming for a controlled descent in the Indian Ocean. New objectives included igniting an engine in space and testing thermal protection without heat tiles. This launch marks the sixth for a fully assembled Starship since 2023, with earlier attempts resulting in explosions. SpaceX continues to develop the rocket for future missions to the moon and Mars, supported by NASA's $4 billion contract.