[4][5] The main test objectives of this flight, both of which were accomplished, were for the Super Heavy booster to simulate a landing at a "virtual tower" just above the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, and for Starship to survive at least peak heating during atmospheric re-entry.

[6] This marked the first integrated test flight where both Starship and Super Heavy successfully reentered and performed a powered vertical landing over the ocean surface.

Starship flight test 3 in March 2024 attained full duration burns of both stages and reached orbital velocity.

[7] However, both stages were destroyed during atmospheric return, prompting a SpaceX-led mishap investigation overseen by the FAA.

[10] In late April, a NASA official confirmed SpaceX remained on track for the fourth test flight to occur in May 2024.

To reduce mass during descent, a temporary design change on this test flight was used to jettison the booster hot-staging ring.

[34][7] Longer term, the hot-staging ring is intended to be redesigned for lighter weight and tight integration with the booster and will not be jettisoned.

"[37] After completing a full duration burn of all six engines, Ship 29 successfully re-entered the atmosphere, maintaining attitude control despite significant visible damage to the structure and flaps, and loss of some number of heat shield tiles.

[38] Elon Musk said that the ship maintained subsonic control but landed approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) away from the target splashdown location.

[39] The flight was hailed as a success and marked the first time the Super Heavy booster and Ship achieved controlled splashdowns.