SpaceX launches Starship rocket from Texas as booster recovery fails

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket from Texas, marking a significant step in spaceflight. However, the recovery of the Super Heavy booster failed, as it splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of landing as planned. The launch was attended by President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting his growing relationship with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The 122-meter rocket system aims for lunar and Mars missions, and Starship completed an orbit of Earth before landing in the Indian Ocean. Despite the booster setback, Starship demonstrated improved maneuverability by reigniting an engine in space. Musk expressed hope that the new administration will support faster development of space missions, particularly those targeting Mars.