SpaceX’s fifth orbital test flight of its Starship spacecraft ended in a dramatic explosion after a successful run, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs of space exploration. The heavy-lift spacecraft, designed for deep space missions, launched early Sunday from Boca Chica, Texas, and performed several critical maneuvers before crashing into the ocean. Despite the fiery conclusion, the test was hailed as a major milestone by SpaceX and its CEO, Elon Musk.

The test started off smoothly, with the Super Heavy booster, Starship’s lower stage, safely caught by SpaceX’s “Mechazilla” tower. The tower, equipped with two massive “chopsticks” arms, managed to retrieve the booster, an engineering marvel that marked a key success. The upper stage of the Starship, a 165-foot spacecraft, then continued its mission, orbiting Earth for nearly an hour. Footage from SpaceX’s Starlink satellites showed the spacecraft gliding effortlessly through space, a serene contrast to its explosive end.

As the Starship began its descent, it executed a “belly flop” maneuver to reduce speed, followed by firing its thrusters to slow further as it approached the ocean. However, just before splashdown, the spacecraft erupted in a massive fireball. A remotely operated camera captured the moment, highlighting the sheer intensity of the crash. Despite this, SpaceX considered the test a success. The company celebrated hitting its primary objective: a precise landing on the ocean target.

Elon Musk expressed optimism despite the explosion, calling it a major win. “Ship landed precisely on target!” he tweeted, emphasizing that two of the test’s key objectives had been achieved, including the safe recovery of the Super Heavy booster. Musk’s remarks reflect the company’s growing confidence as it prepares for more ambitious flights.

This latest test marks significant progress compared to previous flights. Earlier tests, including a June 2024 flight, ended in failure as Starship’s aerodynamic “flaps” were destroyed upon reentry, causing the spacecraft to crash uncontrollably. The latest flight showed improvements, with the heat shield and flaps holding up better during reentry, though the spacecraft ultimately did not survive.

The path to success has not been easy for SpaceX. Previous attempts in 2023 saw frequent explosions, leading to months of setbacks. However, the company has consistently learned from each failure, advancing the design and safety features of Starship. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already greenlit the next test, dubbed Flight 6, paving the way for more exciting developments as SpaceX works toward its ultimate goal: interplanetary travel.

Despite the challenges, SpaceX remains committed to its vision of using Starship for future missions to the Moon and Mars.