SpaceX Completes Assembly of Starship Mk1 Prototype in Texas
SpaceX successfully joins the top and bottom halves of its Starship Mk1 orbital prototype in preparation for high-altitude testing. The fully reusable spacecraft aims to eventually carry humans to Mars.
SpaceX successfully connects the top and bottom halves of the Starship Mk1 orbital prototype at its Boca Chica, Texas facility. The gleaming silver spacecraft features a unique design with two fins at the bottom and two near the nose to help maneuver the vehicle during its controlled descent back to Earth.
The company prepares to install three Raptor engines on the Mk1 prototype, which represents a significant step up from the single-engine Starhopper test vehicle. While Starhopper reaches heights of around 500 feet, the Mk1 aims to achieve high-altitude test flights reaching up to 63,000 feet.
Full reusability of both the Starship and its Super Heavy booster remains central to the company's long-term goal of making humans a multi-planetary species. CEO Elon Musk presents a detailed update on the Starship program's progress and future milestones at a highly anticipated event in Texas.