SpaceX launched a new rocket prototype on Tuesday, called the SN5, Business Insider reports. The launch originated from Boca Chica, Texas where the aerospace company’s rocket factory and test site are located.
In a press conference, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said, “We are going to go to the moon, we are going to have a base on the moon, we are going to send people to mars and make life multi-planetary.” He went on to say, “This day heralds a new age of space exploration.”
Starship takes flight pic.twitter.com/IWvwcA05hl
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 5, 2020
The rocket, which landed shortly after its launch according to plan, is a prototype set to improve in the years ahead. Musk later tweeted that the next iteration of the rocket will have 60% longer legs, and that future models after that would also have wider legs crafted specifically for landing on difficult surfaces.
This launch happened just a few days after the successful return of SpaceX Crew Dragon on Sunday, which arrived back to Earth after a historic two-month mission to the International Space Station.
The original SN5 launch was set to happen on July 27, though it was postponed due to Hurricane Hanna having damaged a component of the rocket. As the SN6, SN7, and SN8 prototypes approach us, we’ll see many new components and updated designs before the eventual plunge into space.
While the modern space race is already well underway, it’s safe to say that SpaceX is getting much closer to being ready for takeoff.
