LOS ANGELES: SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with its fifth test flight of the Starship rocket on Sunday. The flight successfully returned the booster to the launch pad, marking a crucial step towards the company's ambition of creating a fully reusable rocket system.

The Starship rocket launched from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Brownsville, Texas, at approximately 8:25 a.m. Central Time (1325 GMT).

Following the launch, the rocket's "Super Heavy" booster returned to land just minutes later. SpaceX employed the launch tower's arms to catch the booster, demonstrating their progress in developing reusable rocket technology.

The Starship spacecraft followed a similar path as in previous test flights. It re-entered the Earth's atmosphere before splashing down in the Indian Ocean.

Together, the SpaceX Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy rocket form a fully reusable transportation system. This system is designed to transport crew and cargo to destinations such as Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The mission sought to make history for SpaceX's Starship and the broader field of spaceflight. The company aimed to return the massive first-stage booster, known as Super Heavy, directly to its launch mount. In an ambitious and innovative maneuver, SpaceX planned to catch the booster using the "chopstick" arms of its launch tower. This unprecedented approach represents a significant step forward in the quest for reusable rocket technology, which is essential for reducing costs and increasing the frequency of space missions. By successfully executing this bold strategy, SpaceX hopes to pave the way for a new era in space exploration.

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