SpaceX launched its Starship spacecraft on Thursday for a seventh test flight from Boca Chica, Texas. The mission was expected to last around 66 minutes and feature several experiments, including the deployment of a set of replica Starlink satellites.
During the ascent phase, however, SpaceX lost contact with the spacecraft due to an unspecified issue. A SpaceX commentator later reported that “we do believe we have lost the ship during its ascent phase.” The company said it will share more information on what went wrong in the coming hours and days.
This is not the first time SpaceX has experienced issues with Starship, as a similar problem occurred during the spacecraft’s sixth launch test in November. Despite this setback, SpaceX remains committed to making Starship fully reusable, which would allow it to carry both cargo and people to space.
The company has requested approval from the FAA to increase the maximum number of annual Starship launches from five to 25. The decision is expected after a public comment period ends on January 17.
In other news, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn heavy lift rocket into orbit for the first time, while Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to push forward with its lunar lander development plans.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/01/16/elon-musks-spacex-test-launch-of-starship-ends-in-rapid-unscheduled-disassembly