President Donald Trump celebrated American innovation on Tuesday as he joined SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to witness the highly anticipated launch of the Starship rocket from Boca Chica, Texas. The event marked a major milestone in the United States’ renewed commitment to space exploration.
Trump was accompanied by Senator Ted Cruz, Donald Trump Jr., and other prominent figures at the launch site. His arrival was met with fanfare, underscoring the significance of the event.
President Trump and Elon Musk toured the launch site, with Musk briefing the president on the intricacies of the Starship’s design and capabilities.
The Starship launch showcased the technological prowess of the SpaceX team. The massive 397-foot-tall rocket, powered by 33 Raptor engines, lifted off at 5 p.m. EST from SpaceX’s facility near Brownsville, Texas.
The Super Heavy booster propelled the rocket out of the lower atmosphere before detaching and beginning its return to the launch site.
President Trump has arrived to watch the SpaceX launch with @elonmusk! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/D5awPUUQTC
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 19, 2024
As the rocket soared into space, Trump and Musk stood side by side, both beaming with pride. The launch underscored the U.S.’s leadership in