SpaceX’s Starship suffered another setback today, marking the ninth test flight of the ambitious rocket system from its launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. Following previous failed attempts, the mission aimed to push the boundaries of space travel, but ultimately ended in disappointment.
The Super Heavy booster, intended for a landing attempt, exploded during its descent. Simultaneously, the Starship itself, having completed stage separation and engine burn, was cruising in space.
Just 30 minutes after liftoff, mission control reported that the Starship lost control. The flight was considered a failure shortly after.
This latest attempt was a critical step in the Starship program, building on the previous tests where the re-entry, landing, and reusability aspects of the rocket were tested. The mission employed the B14.2 Super Heavy booster and the S35 Starship spacecraft, and initially everything looked nominal, and the Starship successfully entered orbit.
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, as it was re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere, the Starship lost control and telemetry was lost. SpaceX confirmed that the spacecraft initiated its self-destruct sequence and broke apart over the Indian Ocean, once again turning into a spectacular display high above for all those watching.
The test flight objectives that were unfulfilled included verifying the thermal protection system, testing a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, and deploying eight simulated Starlink satellites.
The seventh test flight in January and the eighth in March had similarly ended in failure. Today’s outcome underscores how complex the re-entry technology of this ambitious project is.
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