SpaceX has launched a giant Starship missile from Texas, successfully moving the space shuttle into orbit, but giving up the planned effort to capture the first stage reinforcer at the launch site.

The rocket was set up by SpaceX’s Starbasean facility in southern Texas, on its 15th test flight, which was intended to demonstrate the full reuse of the world’s most powerful missile system.

The Super Heavy reinforcer was removed from the upper – stage space shuttle shortly after rising, but I slipped to the Gulf of Mexico instead of returning to the launch tower, where giant mechanical arms had to catch it.

The reinforcer ended up in the water involved in the flames after SpaceX cancelled its recovery effort.

The company did not immediately provide an explanation for the decision.

Despite the failure of capture, Starship continued flying to orbit and placed 26 Starlink satellites.

The space shuttle is expected to carry out 14 rounds around Earth before returning to Starbase on Saturday, where SpaceX plans to try the first-time capture of the Starship’s upper phase.

The effort will only be realised if SpaceX estimates the ship can be returned safely.

The company has also designated alternative landing zones in the Pacific Ocean.

At a height of 124 meters, Starship is central to SpaceX’s plans for missions towards the moon and Mars.

The space shuttle is also being developed for NASA’s Artemis programme, aimed at restoring astronauts to the moon’s surface. / AA/