SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from Texas on Tuesday, watched by U.S. President Donald Trump. While the mission reached space, the booster failed to land as planned, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico and exploding. The rest of the mission was successful.
Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket from Texas on Tuesday, advancing its space exploration goals. However, the mission faltered when the booster failed to land as planned, with US President Donald Trump present at the company's facilities.
The 400-foot (122-metre) rocket, designed to carry astronauts to the Moon and Mars, lifted off at 4 p.m. CT (2200 GMT) from SpaceX’s Boca Chica site. The first-stage booster, known as Super Heavy, detached from the Starship second stage at around 40 miles (62 km) altitude, sending the spacecraft into orbit.
Instead of landing as intended on a platform near the launch site, the Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, with live footage showing it exploding into a fireball after hitting the water. SpaceX had hoped to demonstrate a faster and more efficient landing technique, building on a successful landing method from last month. Musk had previously described this catch-landing as ‘faster/harder’ before the launch.
Despite the booster's failure, the rest of the mission proceeded as planned. Trump’s presence at the event underscored his growing alliance with Musk, who is expected to wield significant influence in the coming years. Musk, the world’s richest person, has been a prominent supporter of Trump’s campaign, providing substantial financial backing and appearing at rallies.
On 13 November, Trump appointed Musk as co-leader of a government efficiency initiative aimed at reducing wasteful spending and regulations. This marks another step in the close relationship between the two, with Musk poised to gain further government support for his ventures.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has temporarily barred its personnel from entering Al Udeid Air Base due to rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
China has voiced strong opposition to further escalation between Iran and Israel, and warned that deepening the conflict benefits no one.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly denied claims that the United States played any role in mediating the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, according to India's top diplomat.
Our NewsHour presenter Guy Shone examined the geopolitical ripple effects of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran during the G7 summit, where U.S. President Donald Trump’s early exit drew worldwide attention.
Denmark announced it will continue backing Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership despite Hungary’s ongoing blockade, as it prepares to assume the presidency of the European Council on July 1.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged the Israeli government to immediately stop its attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites during a press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has underscored the urgent need to ramp up international pressure on Russia following Moscow’s defense of the Iranian regime.
On June 19, the official opening ceremony of the “Azerbaijan” residential complex, constructed by Azerbaijan in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş, was held. The event was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
SpaceX’s massive Starship spacecraft dramatically exploded late Wednesday night during testing at the company’s test site in Brownsville, Texas. The incident marks the latest setback for billionaire Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to send humans to Mars.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
Denmark announced it will continue backing Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership despite Hungary’s ongoing blockade, as it prepares to assume the presidency of the European Council on July 1.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has underscored the urgent need to ramp up international pressure on Russia following Moscow’s defense of the Iranian regime.
President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming two weeks on whether the United States will strike Iran, citing a possibility of upcoming negotiations.
Denmark announced it will continue backing Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership despite Hungary’s ongoing blockade, as it prepares to assume the presidency of the European Council on July 1.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged the Israeli government to immediately stop its attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites during a press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has underscored the urgent need to ramp up international pressure on Russia following Moscow’s defense of the Iranian regime.
On June 19, the official opening ceremony of the “Azerbaijan” residential complex, constructed by Azerbaijan in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş, was held. The event was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
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