SpaceX Starship Failure: Second Test Flight Spirals Out of Control

Starship Test Flight Ends in Loss of Control

During a test flight on Thursday, SpaceX’s Starship experienced a loss of control while in space. This marks the second consecutive launch where the vehicle encountered a critical issue during its ascent to orbit.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily suspended flights into key Florida airports. This precautionary measure was taken, along with diversions of other flights, due to concerns regarding potential “space launch debris.” The FAA has mandated that SpaceX conduct a thorough mishap investigation to determine the cause of the failure.

Initial Flight Stages

The launch, utilizing the Super Heavy booster, initially proceeded normally for approximately eight minutes. Successful separation of the ship was achieved, and it continued its trajectory into space.

Simultaneously, the booster returned to the launchpad in Texas, where it was successfully captured by the launch tower for a third time.

Loss of Control and Disintegration

Around eight minutes and nine seconds into the flight, SpaceX’s broadcast indicated the loss of multiple Raptor engines on Starship. Onboard cameras revealed the vehicle began an uncontrolled spin over the ocean.

“We observed several engine failures, and it appears we are losing control of the ship’s attitude,” stated SpaceX communications manager Dan Huot during the broadcast. “Communication with the ship has been lost at this time.”

Videos circulating on social media depicted the ship disintegrating over the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic shortly thereafter. SpaceX confirmed it “immediately initiated coordination with safety officials to enact pre-planned contingency procedures.”

Recent Developments and Prior Incidents

These consecutive failures occur amidst recent actions by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, which have generated controversy within the U.S. federal government through his Department of Government Efficiency.

This included the temporary assignment of SpaceX personnel to the FAA, the agency responsible for overseeing SpaceX’s flight operations.

SpaceX had intended to deploy four mock-ups of its Starlink satellites during this test flight, representing a step towards utilizing Starship for commercial applications.

The company is employing a strategy of rapid, iterative testing, learning from both successes and failures.

This incident follows a similar outcome just weeks prior, during the seventh test flight, where Starship broke apart over Turks and Caicos, prompting flight diversions in that airspace.

Investigation Findings and Improvements

A mishap investigation followed the seventh test flight, revealing propellant leakage within Starship as the primary cause. This leakage led to fires and a complete loss of communication before the vehicle’s self-destruction.

Prior to the eighth test flight, SpaceX implemented enhancements to the fuel lines supplying Starship’s engines and adjusted propellant temperatures. Additional vents and “a new purge system” were also incorporated to mitigate potential leaks.

Re-entry Challenges and Flight 8 Objectives

Previous test flights have seen Starship break apart during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Modifications were made during the seventh test flight to improve the ship’s ability to withstand the stresses of re-entry.

“The focus of Flight 8 was to identify the operational boundaries of Starship, preparing for eventual return and capture at the launch site,” SpaceX communicated on X on Thursday.

This report has been updated to include the FAA’s statement.