SpaceX Finally Launches a Starship Rocket That Returns to Earth Safely

SpaceX is getting ever closer to debuting its Starship rocket.

Elon Musk’s space-exploration company successfully launched Starship on Thursday during its fourth test flight, reported. Most notably, the spacecraft made a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, a feat that it had yet to accomplish.

This week’s test flight is a reassuring move in that direction. Being able to safely return the spacecraft and the booster is key to making Starship reusable. On Thursday, despite the extreme heat and pressure that worked against the rocket upon reentry, Starship was able to make a controlled landing. Yet, some debris did come off the vehicle, the rocket lost many tiles, and a flap was damaged.

Even still, it’s clear that SpaceX is getting closer and closer to its final goal when it comes to Starship. In just a couple of years, we may get to see a group of astronauts—decked out in their Prada spacesuits—head to the moon via the rocket. And some years after that, perhaps we ourselves will be soaring toward Mars aboard the Starship craft.