SpaceX’s 12th Starship flight ended in a controlled Indian Ocean splashdown after demonstrating several redesigned systems, including an upright maneuver, engine relight and deployment of 22 mock satellites. The spacecraft entered an imperfect but acceptable trajectory after an engine malfunction, while the Super Heavy booster failed its planned boost-back burn and crashed uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico. The test followed an aborted launch and comes as SpaceX prepares a potentially record IPO. NASA is relying on a modified Starship for its Artemis lunar-landing plans, but experts say substantial testing remains before the vehicle is ready for future missions.

SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight lasted about 65 minutes and achieved several major objectives, including successful stage separation and deployment of dummy satellites. The upper stage reached the Indian Ocean as planned, but an engine malfunction led to an imperfect orbital insertion, while the booster failed to perform its planned landing maneuver and fell uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico. The test is considered meaningful progress toward NASA’s Artemis lunar missions, although further flights and an orbital refueling demonstration remain necessary. The launch also came as SpaceX prepares for a potentially record-setting initial public offering.

SpaceX postponed the 12th test flight of its upgraded Starship rocket after repeated countdown interruptions and a hydraulic pin failure prevented launch from the company’s Texas facility. The company is targeting another attempt on Friday. The mission is important for SpaceX’s planned initial public offering and for NASA’s Artemis lunar program, which depends on a modified Starship serving as a human landing system. The flight is intended to test the rocket’s redesign, deploy mock and modified Starlink satellites, and demonstrate aspects of a fully reusable system. Experts remain concerned about the technical schedule, particularly the need to prove in-orbit refueling before NASA’s planned lunar missions.

SpaceX postponed a Starship test launch at its South Texas facility after repeated countdown interruptions and a hydraulic pin failed to retract. The company said it would try again the following day, while the delay came amid heightened attention following SpaceX's filing to pursue a potentially record-setting initial public offering. The flight is intended to demonstrate progress on the Starship system, which supports both SpaceX's plans and NASA's effort to return humans to the Moon.

SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight lasted about 65 minutes and achieved several key objectives, including successful separation of the rocket’s stages and deployment of dummy satellites. The upper stage ended its flight as planned in the Indian Ocean, but an engine malfunction led to an imperfect orbit, while the booster fell uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico. Experts viewed the mission as a meaningful improvement but stressed that many more tests are needed before Starship can support NASA’s Artemis lunar missions. The flight took place as SpaceX prepares a potentially historic stock-market debut and as the United States faces pressure to reach the Moon before China.

Aid has begun to reach the Jamaican regions most devastated by Hurricane Melissa, which caused at least 59 deaths and widespread destruction across the Caribbean before hitting Cuba. Residents in hard‑hit areas such as Westmoreland are urgently appealing for international assistance, emphasizing the severe impact of the Category 5 storm and the immediate need for support.

A candlelight vigil in San Antonio honors the victims of the recent Texas floods, which have claimed over 100 lives. The community gathers to remember those lost, with local resident Debra Guerrero noting the widespread impact of the disaster.

Catastrophic floods in central Texas have resulted in over 100 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing. Volunteers, including those on horseback and with rescue dogs, are aiding authorities in searching for victims along the Guadalupe River. The floods have particularly impacted Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors perished. Criticism has been directed at President Trump for cuts to weather agencies, though the National Weather Service provided timely warnings. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other officials are involved in the response, with calls for improved flood-warning systems. The floods, exacerbated by climate change, have prompted a significant community response and federal disaster declaration.

Thousands in Los Angeles protested against US President Donald Trump with peaceful celebrations, but the situation escalated when police intervened, leading to chaos. The event underscores tensions between the public and authorities, reflecting broader political discontent.

Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s Gulf Coast as a catastrophic major hurricane, prompting urgent evacuation warnings from President Joe Biden, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and state officials. Residents fled as roads and fuel supplies came under pressure, while forecasters warned that Tampa could face a destructive storm surge. Milton arrived as communities were still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 230 people. The story also describes political conflict over Helene relief, including Donald Trump’s false claims about disaster funding and warnings from Biden and Kamala Harris about misinformation. Climate researchers say warming has intensified storms, with analysis finding climate change made Helene’s rainfall and winds about 10% more intense.