Following a failed test flight in January, SpaceX set out for another launch attempt on Thursday hoping for a better outcome.
Unfortunately, the mission was cut short once again after losing contact with the upper-stage vehicle.
The Starship system, towering at 400 feet, launched from SpaceX’s Starbase site near Brownsville, Texas, for its eighth test flight at 6:30pm.
However, within eight minutes, similar to the January incident, some engines seemed to shut off. Live video footage showed the craft spinning before all communication was lost.
In the live webcast, SpaceX Communications manager Dan Huot announced, “I think it’s clear that we won’t continue with today’s mission.”
Shortly after the mishap, Florida airports issued ground stops due to the “space launch incident” in Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Miami International Airport.
Videos circulating online show explosions and potential debris in parts of Florida. One video posted by an X user shows what appears to be an overhead fireball in Boynton Beach, Florida.
SpaceX stated on X that the Starship suffered a collapse, described as a “rapid, unplanned demolition.”
The company is now analyzing data from the flight tests to determine the root cause of the incident.
Huot mentioned in the webcast that SpaceX will be monitoring potential debris and working closely with air traffic restrictions.
While accidents are not uncommon in the development of new rockets and spacecraft, this marks the second consecutive setback for SpaceX.
During the seventh test mission in January, a similar loss of communication occurred, eventually leading to an explosion over the Caribbean.
Courtesy Todd Martin
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation. Despite clearing the spacecraft for Thursday’s test flight, investigations are ongoing.
The FAA, among other agencies, has faced budget and staffing cuts under the Trump administration, raising concerns about oversight in areas like commercial spaceflight.
SpaceX’s internal investigation revealed that a leaky propellant likely caused the explosion during the previous test flight.
SpaceX made upgrades to prevent similar incidents and enhance safety measures before the Thursday launch.
Despite the short-lived test flight, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with the Super Heavy Booster returning successfully to the launch site and landing on the Tower’s robotic arm.
This marks the third successful “Catch” operation by SpaceX, a crucial step towards the goal of creating a fully reusable Starship system.
Starship, the most powerful rocket in development, consists of a first-stage booster and an upper-stage spaceship called Super Heavy.
SpaceX officials emphasize that many more test missions will likely be conducted before the Starship can transport humans.
The next-generation Megarocket, Starship, is expected to play a pivotal role in NASA’s moon missions and potentially future missions to Mars.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
