SpaceX's Starship explodes in space: Triumphs and setbacks on second trial

Tracking camera views of hot-staging separation (Image courtesy: @SpaceX/X)

SpaceX's super heavy and crew-less spacecraft Starship, the most powerful rocket ever designed with future Mars missions in mind, crashed in space minutes after liftoff on November 18.

The spacecraft lifted off around 6.30pm Indian time on Saturday from SpaceX's Starbase launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico coast. After successful separation of the Starship from the Super Heavy booster, the first stage of the rocket experienced a mishap, breaking apart, 3 minutes after the liftoff.

The Starship spacecraft, however, continued its journey and reached an altitude of about 150 kilometers before being exploded at the 8-minute mark. About 11 minutes and 20 seconds into the flight, SpaceX confirmed the loss of data, signalling that the Starship was not following its planned trajectory and marking the end of the mission.

What went right

• The Super Heavy booster, which provides the initial thrust at liftoff, successfully ignited all 33 of its Raptor engines. And, the six engines powering the Starship fired normally.
• This was a significant improvement from the first attempt. (The first launch of Starship on April 20 ended in an explosion minutes after lifting off from the launch pad in south Texas.)
• The primary goal of testing the hot-staging system, separating upper and lower stages, seemed successful.

• The Super Heavy booster experienced a 'Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly' after separation, leading to its destruction.
• As the Starship was preparing to enter the coast phase, SpaceX indicated the inability to receive data from the second stage of Starship. This signalled a challenge for the spacecraft. "Wouldn't be able to come back in an hour or so and possibly get ready for reentry," a commentator stated on SpaceX live stream.
• Another commentator on SpaceX  live stream said the automated flight termination system on the second stage triggered late in the burn, leading to the destruction of the Starship. "The automated flight termination system on the second stage appears to have triggered very late in the burn as we were headed downrange out over the Gulf of Mexico," the commentator said.

The exact reasons for the Super Heavy booster's break-up and Starship's failure after engine shutdown remain unknown. But, SpaceX emphasised that the mission provided valuable data for future improvements. The company remains optimistic about future flights, aiming to address the issues encountered during this test.

"We got so much data and that will all help us to improve for our next flight," said Kate Tice, an engineering manager for quality systems at SpaceX, during the livestream.

Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder, was seen reviewing data with flight controllers after the incident. "With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve Starship’s reliability as SpaceX seeks to make life multiplanetary," SpaceX wrote.

With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve Starship’s reliability as SpaceX seeks to make life multiplanetary

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 18, 2023

FAA statement: No injuries, investigation will be initiated

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported no injuries or property damage. However, it said a mishap investigation will be conducted.

The FAA, which licensed the Starship's test flight on November 18, wrote on X, "A mishap occurred during the @SpaceX Starship OFT-2 launch from Boca Chica, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 18. The anomaly resulted in a loss of the vehicle. No injuries or public property damage have been reported."

The FAA will oversee the @SpaceX-led mishap investigation to ensure SpaceX complies with its FAA-approved mishap investigation plan and other regulatory requirements.

— The FAA ️ (@FAANews) November 18, 2023

NASA's reaction: Congratulations amid progress

NASA Chief Bill Nelson offered congratulations, emphasizing the significance of the test flight.

Congrats to the teams who made progress on today’s flight test.

Spaceflight is a bold adventure demanding a can-do spirit and daring innovation. Today’s test is an opportunity to learn—then fly again.

Together @NASA and @SpaceX will return humanity to the Moon, Mars & beyond. https://t.co/QGjwr45KM1

— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) November 18, 2023

The Starship, intended for NASA's Artemis program to land astronauts on the moon, represents a crucial part of SpaceX's ambitious goals, including future missions to Mars.

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