SpaceX launched its seventh flight test of the Starship megarocket, dubbed Flight 7, from its Starbase site in South Texas. The vehicle lifted off successfully and achieved stage separation, with its first-stage booster, Super Heavy, returning to Earth for a dramatic catch by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms. However, eight minutes into the flight, contact was lost with the upper stage, known as Ship, which exploded over the Atlantic Ocean near the Turks and Caicos islands.
The explosion occurred around 8.5 minutes after launch, creating a spectacular sky show that was witnessed by many people in the area. The cause of the problem is currently unknown, but SpaceX has confirmed that it experienced a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” during the ascent burn.
Despite this setback, SpaceX is taking a positive view, stating that the test will help them improve Starship’s reliability. This is not an isolated incident, as “rapid unscheduled disassemblies” are not uncommon during the development of new rockets. However, the company’s experience and willingness to learn from its mistakes will be crucial in overcoming this challenge.
The successful recovery of the Super Heavy booster showcases SpaceX’s planned recovery strategy for both the booster and the upper stage. This was the second such snag for the company, which first pulled off the feat in October on Starship Flight 5.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, its determination and resilience in the face of setbacks will be crucial in achieving its ambitious goals. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/private-spaceflight/watch-spacex-starship-explode-over-atlantic-ocean-on-flight-test-7-videos