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Story by TIM SULLIVAN
Another successful liftoff of another SpaceX Starship prototype from Boca Chica Beach this afternoon – but the goal of capturing the rocket’s booster at the launch tower was not accomplished.
The giant rocket blasted off at 4 p.m. straight up and the Super Heavy Booster successfully separated about 2-1/2 minutes later. But seconds later, the decision was made to not attempt a land capture of the booster. It was diverted offshore and the booster made a soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico. No explanation was given for the decision to not attempt what would have been a second tower capture of the booster.
Meanwhile, officials say the spaceplane is continuing on its orbital trajectory toward the Indian Ocean with splashdown anticipated at around 5 p.m.
