AIAA Statement on Fifth SpaceX Starship Test Flight

October 14, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA CEO Clay Mowry:

“Congratulations to the SpaceX team on its fifth test flight of Starship. From its launch at Starbase, Texas, to catching the booster, through the on-orbit views, to the vehicle’s water landing – we watched with excitement and awe.

The art and science of aerospace engineering requires testing like this. The engineering advances demonstrated by the SpaceX team are accelerating the pursuits of returning to the moon and traveling on to Mars. From this fifth test flight, we know the team is gaining valuable engineering data to learn from.

Reusability is the future of launch. We are encouraged by seeing SpaceX demonstrate Starship’s reusable design as they move toward eventual commercial operation.

AIAA recognizes the countless industry professionals who have helped design, build, and test Starship. We applaud AIAA Corporate Member SpaceX for taking this step forward in shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, RebeccaG@AIAA.org, 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. Visit www.aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Banner Image: SpaceX Starship’s booster lands following a fifth flight test. | Credit: @SpaceX