SpaceX conducted a new test flight with the unmanned spacecraft Starship on Tuesday, but it was partially unsuccessful again. The 123-meter-long device was launched from a base in southern Texas at 6:36 PM local time.
After half an hour, SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, lost control of the rocket. A few minutes after the launch, the lower part, the Super Heavy booster, detached from the rest of the spacecraft. While trying to reposition itself, problems arose and an explosion followed, according to SpaceX commentators.
One of the test goals was to open the satellite doors of the upper part of Starship, but this was not successful. The upper part leaked fuel, spun around in space, returned to the Earth’s atmosphere, and exploded above the Indian Ocean.
“Success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve the reliability of spacecraft,” SpaceX said on X.
The test followed two previous failed attempts earlier this year, both of which ended in an explosion. Debris landed on the Caribbean islands, with limited damage on the Turks and Caicos Islands. According to Musk, Tuesday’s test is a major improvement compared to the earlier launches of Starship, where control was lost more quickly.
SpaceX ultimately wants to use the device to bring astronauts to the moon and Mars.