Following the successful completion of a test that saw part of SpaceX's Starship return to its launch pad, the company's goal of creating a fully reusable and quickly deployable rocket has taken a major leap forward. BBC's science correspondent, Pallab Ghosh, delves into the technical challenges of this feat and addresses concerns about the environmental impact of such a rocket. This development comes after a public dispute between Elon Musk and the Federal Aviation Administration over permits and environmental concerns.
SpaceX's Starship: A Leap Towards Reusable Rockets
SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has made significant progress towards its goal of developing a fully reusable and rapidly deployable rocket system. This milestone was achieved recently with the successful return of part of the Starship to its launch pad, following a test flight.
Background
SpaceX's Starship is a massive reusable spacecraft designed to carry both crew and cargo into space. It consists of a first stage called the Super Heavy booster and a second stage called the Starship itself. The Super Heavy is responsible for lifting the Starship into orbit, while the Starship serves as the primary vehicle for travel beyond Earth's atmosphere.
The development of Starship is crucial for SpaceX's plans to establish a permanent human presence on Mars and enable interplanetary travel. By creating a fully reusable rocket, SpaceX aims to drastically reduce the cost of space travel and make it more accessible.
Technical Challenges
Developing a fully reusable rocket system is no easy task and presents numerous technical challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the ability to withstand the extreme heat and pressures encountered during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. SpaceX has overcome this hurdle through a combination of advanced heat shielding and precise control during descent.
Another challenge lies in the separation and recovery of the Super Heavy booster and Starship. To achieve rapid reusability, both stages must be able to return safely to the launch pad for refurbishment. SpaceX has employed a range of innovative techniques, including onboard guidance systems and precise landing maneuvers, to enable this separation and recovery process.
Environmental Concerns
The development and operation of Starship have raised concerns about its potential environmental impact. Critics have expressed worry that the rocket's methane-based fuel could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. SpaceX has addressed these concerns by emphasizing the efficiency of their propulsion system and their plans to transition to renewable energy sources in the future.
Dispute with Federal Aviation Administration
In February 2022, SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) engaged in a public dispute over permits and environmental concerns related to the Starship launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. The FAA raised concerns about the project's potential impact on local wildlife and the environment. After extensive discussions and negotiations, SpaceX eventually received approval for the launch site in June 2022.
Top 5 FAQs
On September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon," was visible to sky-watchers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This event, which lasted from 8:58 pm to 2:25 am in India, is the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 and only the second clearly visible Blood Moon in India since 2018. The Moon appeared red due to the Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight and filtering out blue light, providing ideal viewing conditions for Indian observers in the late evening and early hours of September 8.
Astronomers and skywatchers across Asia and Europe are preparing to witness a rare celestial event - a total lunar eclipse that will turn the moon into a blood red hue. The event, expected to occur overnight on September 7 and 8, will begin at around 2:41 am IST and reach its maximum phase at 5:11 pm EDT. This will be followed by 82 minutes of totality, during which the moon will be fully immersed in Earth's dark umbral shadow. The phenomenon is expected to be visible to approximately 77% of the world's population and will coincidentally occur just days before the moon reaches its perigee, appearing slightly larger than its usual size.
Mark your calendars for September 7-8, 2025, as a rare and remarkable lunar event is set to take the center stage in the sky. Astronomers predict that on this night, the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 will be visible across India, lasting for 82 minutes. It will also be the first time in three years that the entire eclipse will be visible from every corner of the country. Unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse can be safely watched with the naked eye, making it an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out as the Moon turns a mesmerizing coppery red, known as the Blood Moon, during this rare celestial phenomenon.
Stargazers in India are in for a treat on Sunday night as a rare lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon," will light up the sky. This phenomenon will be visible in parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia, with the best views in India and China. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, making it a must-see event for anyone with clear skies and a good vantage point. This will be the first total lunar eclipse visible since 2022, and serves as a prelude to a highly anticipated total solar eclipse in 2026.
With the ongoing monsoon, there has been a rise in mosquito breeding, which can lead to the spread of diseases. To prevent this, experts recommend taking simple steps to protect your home, such as regularly cleaning stagnant water sources, keeping buckets and tanks covered, and using mosquito-repellent measures. Installing mesh screens and keeping doors and windows closed during peak mosquito hours can also help. According to a recent study, using spatial mosquito repellent sheets can reduce the risk of malaria by 50%.
With the recent surge in mosquito-borne illnesses due to favorable breeding conditions, it is crucial to understand the dangers of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. These infections have no permanent cure, making prevention the only defense. With no specific treatment available, doctors emphasize the importance of mosquito control to protect oneself and loved ones from the deadly threats these diseases pose.
A powerful earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck northeast Afghanistan, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The country has a history of being prone to earthquakes, with its location on multiple fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet. The depth and magnitude of the quake also play a significant role in its destructiveness, as shallow earthquakes are usually more dangerous. This event serves as a grim reminder of the constant tectonic activity in the region and the high seismic hazard it poses.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Delhi-NCR, with predictions of intense downpours and severe waterlogging in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Schools and offices in the affected regions have been advised to remain closed, encouraging work-from-home arrangements. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also under a red alert for the risk of flash floods, while Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are currently under an orange warning. Stay updated with the latest news on rain, traffic conditions, and school closures in Delhi-NCR.
After a year of failed attempts, SpaceX's Starship rocket finally successfully completed its first-ever deployment of a test payload into space. The rocket, carrying eight dummy satellites, soared into orbit from Starbase in South Texas and splashed down as planned in the Indian Ocean. This marks a major achievement for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's goal of using the Starship for future crewed missions to the moon and ultimately Mars. The successful test also included the return of the rocket's Super Heavy Booster, which splashed down in the Atlantic.
During his address on National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's aspirations to explore deep space and encouraged the nation's space scientists to prepare for a mission beyond galaxies. He also challenged the private sector to become major players in the space industry by achieving unicorn status within five years and increasing India's launch capacity to 50 rockets per year. Modi also commended ISRO's consistent achievements and noted the historic moment two years ago when India became the first country to land on the Moon's South Pole.