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SpaceX Starship Completes Fourth Test Flight with Super Heavy Soft Landing, Boeing Starliner Docks with ISS

Jun 7, 2024, 09:00 PM

SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully completed its fourth test flight, surviving reentry through Earth's atmosphere and splashing down in the Indian Ocean. This marks the first time the Starship did not end in a 'rapid unscheduled disassembly.' The test flight saw the uncrewed vehicle endure a punishing descent, with pieces flying off during reentry, but ultimately achieving a controlled splashdown. The Super Heavy booster also made a soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX plans to attempt catching the booster with Mechazilla arms on the next flight. Meanwhile, Boeing's Starliner capsule, carrying two NASA astronauts, docked with the International Space Station despite encountering thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. This mission is a critical test for Boeing as it competes with SpaceX in the private space sector. The successful docking marks Boeing as the second private company to transport astronauts to the ISS.