By Hamza

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SpaceX’s eighth suborbital test flight of its fully integrated Starship megarocket ended with mixed results on Thursday. While the Super Heavy booster was successfully caught using the launch tower’s “chopsticks,” the upper stage (S34) was lost after spinning uncontrollably and breaking apart upon reentry. The test took place at Starbase in Boca Chica Beach, Texas, marking another step in SpaceX’s ambitious journey to perfect its reusable rocket technology.

SpaceX Starship launch at Starbase, Texas
SpaceX Starship launching from Starbase, Texas. (Image Source: SpaceX)

Key Highlights of the Test Flight

  • Super Heavy Booster Success: The booster (B15) was successfully caught by the launch tower, a significant milestone in SpaceX’s efforts to achieve full reusability.
  • Upper Stage Failure: The Starship’s upper stage made it to space but began spinning uncontrollably, leading to a loss of contact and eventual breakup. Debris fell back to Earth, prompting safety measures.
  • FAA Investigation: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a mishap investigation to determine the root cause and ensure public safety.
  • Flight Objectives: The test aimed to deploy Starlink simulators, conduct reentry experiments, and test upgraded avionics on the Super Heavy booster.
Super Heavy booster caught by launch tower chopsticks
Super Heavy booster being caught by the launch tower’s chopsticks. (Image Source: SpaceX)

What Went Wrong?

During the ascent, the upper stage experienced what SpaceX described as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” a euphemism for an explosion or breakup. This follows a similar incident during the seventh test flight in January, which led to hardware and operational changes to improve reliability. Despite these efforts, the upper stage failed to complete its planned 40-minute coast and soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

Safety Measures in Place

  • The FAA activated a Debris Response Area, briefly halting air traffic at Florida airports, including Miami International and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International.
  • SpaceX’s pre-coordinated response plan with the FAA and air traffic control ensured no significant impacts on public safety or the environment.

SpaceX’s Response

In a statement, SpaceX emphasized its commitment to learning from each test:

“We fly to learn. Today’s flight will offer additional lessons to improve Starship’s reliability. Success comes from what we learn, and we accept no compromises when it comes to ensuring the safety of the public and our team.”

Starship upper stage reentry visualization
Visualization of Starship’s upper stage during reentry. (Image Source: SpaceX)

What’s Next for Starship?

SpaceX plans to review the data from this test to identify the root cause of the failure. The company remains focused on its long-term goal of making Starship a fully reusable vehicle capable of carrying humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, has not yet commented on the test flight as of 7:45 p.m. on Thursday.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of SpaceX’s Starship program?

SpaceX’s Starship program aims to create a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations in the solar system.

2. Why did the Starship upper stage fail?

The upper stage experienced a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” (explosion) due to uncontrolled spinning, leading to a loss of contact and breakup during reentry.

3. What is the significance of catching the Super Heavy booster?

Catching the Super Heavy booster is a critical step toward achieving full reusability, reducing the cost of space travel, and making SpaceX’s operations more sustainable.

4. How does the FAA ensure safety during SpaceX launches?

The FAA mandates mishap investigations, activates Debris Response Areas, and works with SpaceX to implement safety measures, such as halting air traffic near launch sites.

5. What are the next steps for SpaceX after this test flight?

SpaceX will analyze flight data, identify the root cause of the failure, and implement corrective actions to improve Starship’s reliability for future tests.