SpaceX launches Starship rocket but skips booster catch attempt

SpaceX launched a Starship rocket on Tuesday but did not attempt to catch the booster with mechanical arms, directing it instead to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico. This differs from last month’s successful catch. The booster was not commanded to return due to unmet criteria, and it splashed down three minutes after launch. The Starship spacecraft completed a near-global flight path, ending in a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. New objectives were achieved, including igniting an engine in space and conducting thermal protection tests. SpaceX plans further upgrades for the next test flight, aiming for full reuse of the Starship to reduce costs for future lunar and Mars missions.