SpaceX launches Starship rocket without booster catch attempt

SpaceX launched another 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 decision followed a successful catch in the previous test flight. The Starship spacecraft completed a near-global flight path, targeting the Indian Ocean for a controlled descent. New objectives included igniting an engine in space and testing thermal protection, with plans for further upgrades in future flights. This launch marks the sixth fully assembled Starship test since 2023, with earlier attempts resulting in explosions. NASA is funding SpaceX over $4 billion for upcoming moon missions using Starship.