SpaceX launched another test flight of its massive Starship rocket on Thursday, but the mission experienced a major setback when contact was lost just minutes after it took off, according to The Associated Press. The rocket which was 403-foot (123 meter) lifted off from Texas just before sunset, initially performed well. The first-stage booster successfully returned to the launch pad. However, the upper-stage spacecraft continued its journey in an eastward direction. After this a series of engine shutdowns led to an out-of-control spin, ultimately resulting in loss of contact. The spacecraft was expected to complete a controlled descent over the Indian Ocean, but its final location continues to be uncertain.
SpaceX response to the setback
Following the incident, SpaceX accepted the failure, stating on X, ‘’Starship suffered a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost. Our team is reviewing and evaluating the data to understand the root cause. Every flight provides lessons to improve Starship’s reliability.’’
What was the mission aim?
The test was designed in a way to last about one hour, during which the Starship was expected to release four mock satellites into space. These prototypes, which look similar to SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites, were supposed to briefly orbit before falling back to the earth. However, as the aircraft went out of control, the deployment never happened.
During the broadcast of the launch, SpaceX flight commentator Dan Huot confirmed the issue, stating, ‘’Unfortunately, this happened last time too, so we have some practice at this now.’’ The earlier flight which ended in an explosion over the Atlantic Ocean, was credited to leakage of fuel that led to multiple fires, ultimately resulting in shutting down the engines. An ongoing probe into the incident has made several enhancements to the design, including the modification to Starship’s fuel system, onboard computers, and flaps.
Despite these challenges, SpaceX remains committed to its ambitious goals. NASA has already selected Starship for landing astronauts on the moon later this decade.
(With inputs from AP)