SpaceX faces setbacks as Starship explodes during tests
The Starship spacecraft from SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, exploded for the third consecutive time during testing. Although the rocket flew further than before, not all mission objectives were achieved.
What do you need to know?
- When and where did the explosion occur? The Starship exploded during its ninth test flight, which took place on Tuesday at Starbase in Texas.
- What issues occurred during the flight? The rocket failed to deploy the Starlink satellite dummies and lost video contact, leading to an uncontrolled flight and eventual explosion.
- What are the plans for the future? SpaceX plans further tests to improve the reliability of Starship, which is crucial for the Artemis III mission to the Moon.
The SpaceX-owned Starship spacecraft had its ninth test flight, resulting in an explosion over the Indian Ocean. "As if the flight test was not exciting enough, Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly before stage separation" - wrote the company SpaceX on platform X.
Technical problems during the flight included a loss of video connection and the unsuccessful deployment of Starlink satellite dummies.
What are the reactions to the failed test?
Despite the failure, NASA chief Jared Isaacman emphasises the importance of Starship for the future of space exploration.
- Tens of thousands of jobs, billions in private investment, all aimed at truly opening the last great frontier - stated Isaacman. SpaceX plans to continue testing to enhance Starship's reliability, which is intended to be a key component of the Artemis III mission, aimed at landing humans on the Moon once again.
Elon Musk and NASA have high hopes for the Starship project, which is expected to be the vehicle to enable humans to return to the Moon. As recently as May, Musk promised that Starship would be able to land safely on Earth.
