SpaceX successfully launches Starship for sixth time with notable splashdowns

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship for the sixth time on November 19, 2024. Unlike the previous flight, the Super Heavy booster was not caught at the launchpad but made a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The Starship performed an in-space engine test before splashing down in the Indian Ocean. A stuffed banana served as the mission's Zero-G indicator. President-elect Donald Trump attended the launch, highlighting the growing connection between SpaceX and NASA. Future plans for Starship include lunar missions with NASA and potential manned missions to Mars. The Air Force is also exploring military uses for the spacecraft. SpaceX emphasizes safety in its recovery attempts.