The second rocket stage failed to launch the Starship into orbit. The rocket broke into two parts approximately 8 minutes after launch.
The seventh test launch of the Starship spacecraft with the Super Heavy launch vehicle, designed for manned flights to the Moon and Mars, ended in failure. This was announced by the developer company SpaceX.
The rocket was successfully launched from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The multiple carrier Super Heavy also successfully returned to the launch complex, where it was captured by the landing of the Mechazilla system’s manipulator arms.
Starship Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/7lrFjGXzAi
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 16, 2025
Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/aq91TloYzY
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 16, 2025
However, the second stage of the rocket was unable to launch the Starship into orbit. The rocket disintegrated approximately 8 minutes after launch.
“The Starship suffered a rapid, unplanned disassembly during ascent. The teams will continue to analyze data from today’s flight tests to better understand the root cause…Today’s flight will help us to improve Starship reliability,” SpaceX said.
SpaceX owner Elon Musk has responded to the unsuccessful launch.
“Preliminary indications are that there is an oxygen/fuel leak in the cavity above the ship’s engine firewall, large enough to create a pressure greater than the vent capacity. In addition to the obvious double check for leak, we will add fire suppression to this volume and possibly increase the area of the vent So far, there is no indication that the next launch will have to be delayed to next month,” wrote Elon Musk on social media.
He also released a video of the wreckage of the Starship collapsing. “Success is not certain, but fun is guaranteed!” – he mentioned.
Success is not certain, but entertainment is guaranteed! ✨
pic.twitter.com/nn3PiP8XwG— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025
We remind you that on March 12, 2024, the Starship made its first flight into space, but it did not return to Earth – the ship crashed during descent. But on October 13, SpaceX for the first time conducted a controlled return of a launch vehicle.
Previous attempts to launch the Starship in 2023 failed. But the information received helped SpaceX avoid errors in subsequent launches.
SpaceX has developed the reusable Starship spacecraft for deep space missions, including the Moon and Mars. The rocket system consists of two parts: the Super Heavy launch vehicle with 33 Raptor engines and the Starship spacecraft. The height of the rocket is 120 meters. This is higher than any other rocket ever built in the world. The Super Heavy is also twice as powerful as the Space Launch System (SLS) heavy rocket created by NASA for manned flights to the Moon.
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.