Elon Musk, currently the world’s richest man, oversaw the sixth test launch of SpaceX's Starship rocket, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attending as a special guest. Read full article
Both Trump and Musk made their way to Brownsville, Texas, to witness the event held at SpaceX’s test site in Boca Chica, a small community located on the Gulf Coast. The launch took place shortly after 5pm local time (23:00 GMT), an hour behind the scheduled time, due to last-minute preparations.
The test launch, while successful in getting the rocket off the ground, did not include an attempt to capture the first-stage booster mid-air, as originally planned. Instead, SpaceX allowed the booster to fall into the ocean.
This decision stood in contrast to the last Starship test flight in October, which garnered significant attention when SpaceX successfully used its innovative "chopstick" arms to catch the Super Heavy booster mid-descent.
These giant mechanical arms, mounted on the launch tower, were designed to retrieve and recycle the booster, reflecting SpaceX's broader goals of creating fully reusable space vehicles.
Trump’s presence at the SpaceX launch highlights his deepening alliance with Musk, who has become an influential political supporter. Musk, the founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and the social media platform X, reportedly contributed nearly $130 million to help Trump's recent re-election campaign.
Trump’s appearance was part of this developing relationship, and he was expected to be accompanied by his son, Donald Trump Jr., as well as Republican Senator Ted Cruz from Texas, emphasizing the political significance of the event.
Starship, the rocket being tested, is notable for its unprecedented size and ambition. It is the largest rocket ever constructed, designed as a reusable vehicle intended to revolutionize space travel. The Starship system aims to carry both cargo and passengers far beyond Earth’s orbit, with potential missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Musk's growing influence in Trump's inner circle has been a topic of interest, especially as the billionaire has taken a more visible political role. According to a CNN report, Trump's attendance at the launch is a clear sign of Musk's increasing involvement in the President-elect’s orbit.
Since Trump's November 5 election victory, Musk has frequently visited Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida. There, Musk has offered advice on potential cabinet appointments for the new administration and participated in important conversations, including a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Further solidifying his connection to Trump’s political efforts, Musk recently traveled with Trump to Washington, DC, where they met with Republican members of the House of Representatives to discuss upcoming legislative priorities.
Later, they were seen together at a high-profile Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match at Madison Square Garden in New York City, suggesting a public alliance that goes beyond policy discussions.
Musk’s involvement in both space exploration and U.S. politics underscores his rising influence, not only in the tech and business sectors but also within Trump's evolving political network.
His attendance at major political and public events alongside Trump indicates a growing partnership, as both figures continue to play significant roles on the national and global stages.