SpaceX experienced a loss of communication with its Starship rocket during a test flight on Thursday, just minutes after liftoff, resulting in uncertainty regarding the spacecraft’s outcome. The 403-foot (123-meter) rocket launched from Texas shortly before sunset, representing another attempt following a previous test that concluded with an explosion nearly two months prior.
While SpaceX successfully retrieved the first-stage booster using large mechanical arms at the launch site, the upper-stage spacecraft faced difficulties as it traveled eastward. Several engines shut down prematurely, which hindered the planned controlled descent over the Indian Ocean.
The mission, which was anticipated to last an hour, failed to deploy its four mock satellites. The spacecraft ascended to nearly 90 miles (150 kilometers) in altitude before losing stability, and its final landing location remains unknown. “Unfortunately, this occurred last time as well, so we have some experience with this now,” remarked SpaceX flight commentator Dan Huot from the launch site.
SpaceX has set forth ambitious objectives for its Starship program. NASA has chosen Starship for upcoming lunar landings, while the company’s founder, Elon Musk, envisions the rocket ultimately facilitating human travel to Mars.
In this recent mission, four simulated satellites, designed to mimic SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites, were deployed. These satellites were intended for a brief release into space before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.
To improve reusability, SpaceX has made significant modifications to Starship’s flaps, onboard computers, and fuel systems, with the goal of enabling the spacecraft to return to its launch site, akin to the recovery of the booster.
In the previous test, SpaceX successfully captured the booster at the launch pad; however, the spacecraft experienced an explosion minutes later over the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, there were no injuries or major damages reported.
An ongoing investigation into the earlier failure revealed that a fuel leak initiated a series of fires, which resulted in engine shutdowns. The onboard self-destruct mechanism was activated as intended.
Following the incident, SpaceX has introduced several enhancements, and the Federal Aviation Administration has recently authorized Starship for another launch.
Starship missions are launched from the southernmost point of Texas, near the Mexican border. Concurrently, SpaceX is constructing a second launch facility for Starship at Cape Canaveral, Florida, in addition to its existing operations for the Falcon rocket, which supports crewed and satellite missions.
