SpaceX's Starship Faces Another Setback with Third Test Flight Explosion

In a recent development, SpaceX's Starship, the world's largest rocket, has once again demonstrated its challenges during its third consecutive test flight. Although the vehicle successfully lifted off, both the booster and the upper stage ultimately failed, resulting in another explosion after separation.

During this ninth test flight, the booster was expected to return to Earth after separating from the spacecraft. However, communication was lost before it could safely land in the ocean. The upper stage also encountered significant issues; it failed to deploy models of Starlink satellites and, 46 minutes post-launch, was lost as well. Debris from the explosion is believed to have fallen into the Indian Ocean.

This incident marks the third consecutive failure for SpaceX in achieving the primary objectives of a Starship test flight. Despite the setbacks, some aspects of the launch were successful. The booster used for this mission had already been tested in a previous flight, and the rocket was reportedly on a more favorable trajectory during its ascent, which could potentially lead to fuel savings in future missions. Notably, the booster also executed a unique spin maneuver for the first time.

On a positive note, the upper stage activated its engines for the full intended duration, indicating that improvements made since the previous two test failures had some degree of success. However, complications arose during the subsequent suborbital flight; a malfunction in the stabilization system prevented the spacecraft from orienting correctly for its return to Earth. Consequently, an automatic process was triggered to release as much pressure as possible before the vehicle ultimately exploded. All debris is reported to have fallen within a designated safe area in the ocean.

Despite these challenges, SpaceX's CEO has characterized the test as a success, highlighting the valuable data collected from the flight. The company has already commenced analysis of the flight data, aiming to implement improvements quickly in preparation for future test launches. Elon Musk indicated that subsequent flights will occur more rapidly, with intervals of approximately three to four weeks, a significant reduction from the nearly three months between the last two tests.

The Starship system comprises the approximately 70-meter-tall booster known as 'Super Heavy' and a roughly 50-meter-tall upper stage. This record-setting rocket is designed for reusability, allowing both the spacecraft and the rocket to be refurbished for future missions. It is intended to transport NASA astronauts to the Moon and is also envisioned for missions to Mars.

Since its first complete launch in April 2023, which lasted only a few minutes before its failure, the Starship has undergone several test flights. Despite experiencing multiple explosions in 2024, three successful launches were recorded, though all three attempts in the current year have ended in failure.