Space News Roundup: Starship Tests and Investment Shifts

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Often, even significant achievements can appear as setbacks when viewed on video. This week’s primary focus centers around SpaceX’s latest Starship prototype test launch, which took place in South Texas.

A Seemingly Unreal Flight – Confirmed by Fire

SpaceX’s recent test involved the 10th Starship prototype, ascending to an altitude of approximately 32,000 feet. At its peak, the Raptor engines initiated a controlled flip maneuver, followed by a descent towards Earth in a horizontal position.

The prototype then reignited its engines close to the ground, transitioning back to a vertical orientation for a planned soft landing. This sequence unfolded precisely as planned for the first time, leading many TechCrunch readers to speculate it was a sophisticated computer-generated simulation.

However, the test was real. Following the termination of SpaceX’s live feed, external cameras captured the SN10 prototype experiencing a similar destructive outcome as the two preceding rockets that completed the same high-altitude flight.

The explosion, which completely destroyed the rocket, occurred several minutes after a successful stationary landing. While visually dramatic, the key outcome is that SpaceX has demonstrated the viability of the complex landing procedure Starship will employ for reusable flight in actual conditions.

Starlink’s UT antenna designed for residential customers.

The need for consistent Starship functionality is growing for SpaceX. The new rocket is crucial for expanding the company’s capabilities. As SpaceX continues deploying its Starlink satellites – with 60 more launched this week – it aims to launch up to 400 satellites per mission utilizing Starship’s substantial cargo capacity.

Furthermore, there are individuals anticipating a Starship journey: Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, who purchased an entire Starship mission for a lunar flyby in 2023, is now accepting applications for eight additional passengers to accompany him, with all expenses covered.

SPAC Founder Divests Personal Holdings

Chamath Palihapitiya, the chairman of Virgin Galactic, has sold his entire personal investment in the company after successfully taking it public through a SPAC merger with his Social Capital Hedosophia last year.

Palihapitiya maintains a 6.2% ownership stake through the aforementioned vehicle, in collaboration with Ian Osborne, but his individual holdings are now zero.

Image Credits: TechCrunch

Palihapitiya asserts his continued dedication to Virgin Galactic’s team, mission, and future prospects, stating that the liquidation of his position was solely to fund an upcoming climate-focused investment. However, public market investors have shown less optimism, with the stock price declining since the announcement of the chairman’s sale last week.

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