— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024 Although hundreds of spectators have reportedly flocked to beaches to watch Starship launches, support for a lunar return is lukewarm. According to a Pew Research study from 2023, only 12 percent of American adults think bringing astronauts back to the Moon ought to be NASA’s top priority. Most Americans, however, say it is important for the U.S. to remain a leader in space. NASA administrator Bill Nelson congratulated Musk and SpaceX’s Starship team after the successful launch and return. His agency has shelled out $4 billion to SpaceX to fund NASA’s moon project, Artemis. SpaceX's Starship rocket booster is successfully docked. SpaceX “As we prepare to go back to the Moon under #Artemis, continued testing will prepare us for the bold missions that lie ahead -- including to the South Pole region of the Moon and then on to Mars,” he wrote on X. “Thank you, sir! Looking forward to serving NASA in returning humanity to the Moon,” Musk replied. Congratulations to @SpaceX on its successful booster catch and fifth Starship flight test today! As we prepare to go back to the Moon under #Artemis, continued testing will prepare us for the bold missions that lie ahead -- including to the South Pole region of the Moon and then… https://t.co/zpj3Ht8319