SpaceX launched its massive Super Heavy-Starship rocket on its seventh test flight, successfully catching the first stage booster back at its launch stand but losing its new-generation Starship upper stage spacecraft. The Starship broke up as it reached space, causing debris to fall from the sky and briefly delaying airline traffic out of Miami.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that aircraft were diverted around the area where space vehicle debris was falling, with normal operations resuming after a brief delay. SpaceX attributed the loss of telemetry due to an anomaly in the upper stage, which suggested an oxygen/fuel leak may have caused a fire that led to the rapid disassembly.
The Starship’s first test flight aimed to demonstrate reusability and test new technologies, including a more powerful propulsion system and advanced heat shield improvements. The rocket successfully completed its climb to space but lost contact with the ship shortly after reaching orbit.
SpaceX is optimistic about the development of the Super Heavy-Starship, which will be crucial for NASA’s Artemis moon program. The company plans to launch the Starship into low-Earth orbit where it can rendezvous with other “tankers” to refuel and blast off towards deep space.
The loss of the Starship during its maiden flight is a setback, but SpaceX believes that the data from this test will help improve the ship’s reliability. The company aims to send humans and cargo to Earth orbit, the moon, and Mars in the coming years, with the first unpiloted lunar landing test flight planned for 2027.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spacex-starship-spacecraft-destroyed-super-heavy-mega-rocket-launch