SpaceX may have to do their next test launch from Florida instead of Texas and that would be a big up-rooting. If they can find out what went wrong they are building four or five of these boosters a year six or seven of the starships a year. Once they've shown that they can refuel the starship second stage once is in orbit they're contracted to provide the landing services for NASA's missions to the moon. Oli: SpaceX is built in at the moment to the NASA moon missions of course mr Musk wants to go further he wants to go to Mars and establish a new civilization there.
In a historic first, the largest rocket ever assembled managed to get off the ground. But then it exploded midair. We ask if this launch can still be called a success. Alexei Navalny is still holed up in tortuous conditions in Russia and could be facing even more charges. And, a tribute to a trendsetting fashion designer.
For a full examination of Alexei Navalny’s story so far — told by the people who know him -- search for our Russia podcast "Next Year in Moscow". Or find it here economist.com/moscowpod
To explore the Starship rocket's potential impact on space travel —and find out why exploding is an important part of SpaceX’s model—listen to a previous episode of our "Babbage" podcast. Find that at economist.com/starship-pod or wherever you listen
And, to access the print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer