The most powerful rocket ever built has officially launched.
With the test flight of SpaceX’s unmanned starship on on Thursday from Boca Chica, Texas, scientists have moved one small, but vastly important step closer to a new space age.
The starship took off after a few delays, reached maximum dynamic pressure and lasted about four minutes before exploding at the end of its Stage 1 burn. At that point the unmanned spaceship was attempting to separate from the booster and ignite second stage engines. It would’ve been a smashing success if accomplished.
Overall, this was a massive win for SpaceX and its engineers. The fact that starship made it off the launch pad is an achievement years in the making. You can read more about all the impressive specs and stats in this wonderful breakdown from USA Today here.
But that’s not what this post is for. We’re here to watch the best clips of the big rocket going boom.