“SPACEX’S STARSHIP ACHIEVES BREAKTHROUGH LANDING TEST IN INDIAN OCEAN”

Why in the news?

  • SpaceX’s Starship rocket successfully completes a breakthrough landing test in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to develop a reusable satellite launcher and moon lander.
  • The controlled plunge and landing demonstration represent a major advancement after three previous test missions ended in explosions or disintegration, showcasing SpaceX’s progress in its test-to-failure development approach.
source:scribd

About SpaceX Starship:

  • Manufacturer: Built by SpaceX, an American spacecraft manufacturer.
  • Purpose: Super-heavy-lift rocket and spacecraft for deep space missions.
  • Engine: Powered by the Raptor engine, a reusable methalox staged-combustion engine.
  • Capacity: Carries up to 150 metric tonnes to Earth orbit (reusable) and up to 250 metric tonnes (expendable).
  • Material and Fuel: Made of stainless steel; powered by liquid methane.
  • Reusability: Intended to become a fully reusable launch and landing system.
Key Points: Indian Ocean:

  • Location: Third-largest of the world’s five oceanic divisions, covering approximately 70,560,000 km2 or 20% of Earth’s surface water.
  • Boundaries: Bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, and Australia to the east, with the Southern Ocean to the south.
  • Regional Seas: Includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Laccadive Sea.
  • Geological Features: Named after India; average depth of 3,741 m; bordered by landmasses and an archipelago on three sides.
  • Climate: Characterized by monsoons, warmest ocean, influences global climate.
  • Oceanography: Unique currents and upwelling patterns due to Indian Ocean Walker circulation; diverse marine life and ecosystems.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/spacex-starship-takes-off-destructs-on-return/