Cape Canaveral, Florida: SpaceX faced challenges during its seventh test flight aimed at testing upgrades to its heavy-lift rocket system. The mission saw the Super Heavy booster successfully separate from the Starship and execute a boostback burn for a return to the launch site, with a subsequent mid-air catch by the launch tower at Starbase. However, issues arose for the Starship spacecraft during its flight.
Approximately two minutes after ignition, a flash in the attic section of the Starship led to a pressure increase from a leak, followed by sustained fires causing engine shutdowns and loss of communication. Post-flight analysis revealed that vibrations during flight exceeded testing parameters, resulting in stress on the propulsion system and a propellant leak leading to the incident.
The explosion created a visual spectacle akin to a meteor shower over Turks and Caicos, captured by tourists on social media. Although SpaceX assured that debris fell within the planned area, the Federal Aviation Administration took precautionary measures, temporarily affecting flight paths in the vicinity.
An investigation involving SpaceX, FAA, NASA, National Transportation Safety Board, and the U.S. Space Force delved into the incident, leading to a 60-second static test fire and subsequent hardware adjustments for an upcoming eighth flight. Changes to fuel feedlines, propellant temperatures, thrust targets, vents, and a new purge system in the attic area were made to enhance safety measures.
SpaceX is preparing for an eighth test flight of the Starship on February 28th, 2025, pending FAA approval. Efforts are underway to finalize the mishap investigation, obtain flight safety clearance, and secure the necessary licenses for the next launch. The company remains dedicated to advancing its rocket technology despite setbacks faced during recent tests.