SpaceX launches Starship rocket but skips booster catch in Gulf of Mexico

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on November 19, 2024, 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 Starship spacecraft completed a flight path similar to previous tests, aiming for the Indian Ocean for a controlled descent. New objectives included igniting an engine in space and testing thermal protection without heat tiles. This launch marks the sixth for Starship since 2023, with earlier flights ending in explosions. SpaceX aims to use Starship for future missions to the moon and Mars, supported by NASA's $4 billion contract.