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SpaceX’s Starship Explodes During Eighth Test Flight, Raising Safety Concerns

By Hamza
Published on Digital Nomad Diary

In a dramatic turn of events, SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, the upper stage of the most powerful launch system ever built, exploded during its eighth test flight on Thursday. This marks the second consecutive failure for the vehicle this year, raising questions about the safety and reliability of experimental rocket launches over populated areas.

SpaceX Starship Launch
SpaceX Starship launching from Starbase facility in South Texas. (Credit: SpaceX)

Key Highlights

  • Second Consecutive Failure: This is the second time in 2024 that the Starship has exploded during a test flight.
  • Air Traffic Disruptions: The explosion caused temporary flight halts at major Florida airports, including Miami and Orlando.
  • Debris Concerns: Debris from the explosion was reported in parts of Florida and the Caribbean, echoing concerns from January’s incident over Turks and Caicos.
  • FAA Investigation: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a mishap investigation before SpaceX can attempt another launch.

What Went Wrong?

The Super Heavy booster successfully separated from the Starship’s upper stage and was caught by SpaceX’s “Mechazilla” launch tower—a feat the company has now achieved three times. However, the Starship itself began experiencing engine failures shortly after separation.

“Once you lose enough of those center engines, you’re going to lose attitude control,” explained Dan Huot, SpaceX’s communications manager, during the livestream. “We saw the ship start to go into a spin, and at this point, we have lost contact with it.”

The loss of signal occurred at roughly the same point as during January’s Flight 7, which also ended in an explosion over Turks and Caicos. This time, the explosion was visible from parts of Florida and the Caribbean, with debris reportedly falling into the ocean.

Starship Explosion
Debris from the Starship explosion visible over the Caribbean. (Credit: Getty Images)

Air Traffic Disruptions and Safety Measures

The FAA temporarily halted flights into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Orlando airports due to concerns about falling space debris. Departures from Fort Lauderdale and Miami were delayed by 30 to 45 minutes on average.

SpaceX emphasized that it had taken extensive safety precautions, including pre-planned debris response areas and coordination with air traffic control. “We have a lot of measures in place to ensure public safety,” Huot said. “Those worked last time, and they’re actively in work right now.”

SpaceX’s Statement and FAA Investigation

In a statement released hours after the incident, SpaceX described the explosion as an “energetic event” in the aft portion of the Starship, which led to the loss of several Raptor engines and, ultimately, communication with the vehicle.

The FAA has required SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation to determine the root cause of the failure and identify corrective actions. “A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety,” the agency stated.

Why This Incident Stands Out

SpaceX’s “rapid iterative development” philosophy involves building prototypes quickly and testing them, even if it means risking explosions. However, the last two incidents have raised concerns because debris fell near populated areas.

In January, debris from Flight 7 littered the islands of Turks and Caicos, with one vehicle reportedly struck by falling wreckage. While no injuries were reported, residents are still finding debris on beaches and roadways.

Starship Debris
Debris from the Starship explosion found on a beach in Turks and Caicos. (Credit: Local Resident)

Upgrades and Lessons Learned

Despite the setbacks, SpaceX has made several upgrades to the Starship system since January’s failure. These include:

  • Heat Shield Improvements: Engineers removed heat shield tiles to test vulnerable areas.
  • Propellant System Tweaks: Changes were made to fuel lines and propellant temperatures.
  • Enhanced Flight Computer: The Super Heavy booster now features a more powerful flight computer.

Thursday’s mission was also intended to deploy mock Starlink satellites, but the explosion prevented this objective from being tested.

What’s Next for SpaceX?

The FAA’s investigation will play a crucial role in determining when SpaceX can attempt another launch. Meanwhile, the company remains committed to its goal of perfecting the Starship system, which is central to its ambitions for Mars colonization and lunar missions.

FAQs

What caused the Starship explosion?
SpaceX reported an “energetic event” in the aft portion of the Starship, which led to the loss of several Raptor engines and a loss of communication with the vehicle.
Were there any injuries or property damage?
No injuries were reported, but debris from the explosion was found in parts of Florida and the Caribbean. In January, debris struck a vehicle in Turks and Caicos.
What is the FAA’s role in this incident?
The FAA has mandated a mishap investigation to determine the root cause of the failure and ensure public safety before SpaceX can attempt another launch.
What upgrades has SpaceX made to the Starship?
SpaceX has improved the heat shield, tweaked the propellant system, and upgraded the Super Heavy booster’s flight computer since January’s failure.
When will SpaceX attempt another Starship launch?
The timeline for the next launch depends on the FAA’s investigation and approval of corrective actions.