SpaceX is set to launch its Starship megarocket for the eighth time on February 28, with CEO Elon Musk sharing a brief update on social media. The test flight will take place from SpaceX’s facility near Boca Chica, Texas, and marks the first attempt since January 16 when the company successfully caught the returning Super Heavy booster.
The mission aims to achieve controlled landings for both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship spacecraft, a goal that had been achieved in previous tests but was disrupted by an anomaly. NASA plans to utilize the Starship for crew and cargo missions to the moon and Mars, with the Artemis III mission scheduled for 2027.
However, recent reports suggest that Musk is prioritizing the first crewed mission to Mars over the lunar surface. This comes as President Trump’s second term has seen Musk emerge as a dominant force, with some speculating that he may be influencing the US leader’s focus on Mars rather than lunar visits.
Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/space/spacex-will-launch-its-starship-megarocket-this-week