'Launched a Banana onboard': SpaceX launches Starship's 6th test flight, skips giant rocket catch
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Starship's Sixth Test Flight Takes Off
SpaceX's 400-foot-tall Starship mega rocket launched successfully on Nov. 19 at 5:00 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) from the Starbase facility in Texas. This marked the sixth test flight for the vehicle.
Credit : SpaceX
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Super Heavy Booster Splashdown
Unlike the fifth flight, where the booster was caught using "chopstick" arms, the Flight 6 booster opted for a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. This change occurred after the mission's data triggered a safety criterion.
First Starship Payload: A Plush Banana
Flight 6 carried the first-ever payload aboard Starship's upper stage — a plush banana. The item acted as a zero-gravity indicator but remained onboard and was not released into space.
Upper Stage Tests Key Systems
The Starship upper stage followed a semi-orbital trajectory, targeting a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. During the flight, one of its six Raptor engines was re-lit to test its capability for in-space burns, a critical step for future orbital missions.
Heat Shield Enhancements Evaluated
Modifications to the Starship's heat shield were tested during reentry. Entire sections of the shield were intentionally left exposed to evaluate secondary thermal protection materials and to explore designs for future hardware.
Flight Data Supports Landing Research
The upper stage underwent a high-angle descent to stress flap control systems and gather data for improving future landing profiles. The splashdown occurred 65.5 minutes after liftoff, demonstrating the vehicle's durability.
Observation-Friendly Launch Timing
The mission's late-afternoon launch allowed daylight observation of the re-entry and splashdown, a departure from previous early-morning launches where splashdowns occurred in darkness.
SpaceX Officials Reflect on Progress
SpaceX team members highlighted the flight's achievements, including the upper stage surviving rigorous heat shield tests. Engineers noted the mission's significance in advancing Starship's reusability and refining its design for future launches.