WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches 3rd Starship, world’s most powerful rocket

BOCA CHICA, Texas — SpaceX launched its Starship spacecraft and the world’s most powerful rocket for the third time on Thursday.

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9:38 a.m. update:

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket at 9:25 a.m.

Liftoff of Starship! pic.twitter.com/FaNcasuKaq
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 14, 2024

Original report:

The third Starship test flight is happening at SpaceX’s Starbase launch facility in Texas.

SpaceX says Starship is a key spacecraft for future missions to the Moon and Mars and will eventually be launched from Florida’s Space Coast.

Targeting Thursday, March 14 for Starship’s third flight test. A 110-minute launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK pic.twitter.com/hFq1L4w9et
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 13, 2024

The first two launches of Starship ended in controlled rocket detonations as SpaceX works to learn how it handles in flight.

SpaceX said the rocket’s second test launch “achieved a number of major milestones and provided invaluable data to continue rapidly developing Starship.”

Watch: SpaceX launches 2nd Starship mega rocket

The third test launch aims to send Starship into a new trajectory and eventually splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

SpaceX set for 3rd launch of Starship, world’s most powerful rocket

“Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the Moon, and ultimately travel to Mars and beyond,” SpaceX officials said in a news release.

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