The spacecraft apparently detonated after reaching space.
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During its second test flight, SpaceX propelled its Starship rocket into deep space, where the booster ruptured after separation and the spacecraft apparently detonated upon reaching space.
According to SpaceX officials, the mega rocket – crafted to transport NASA astronauts to the moon – successfully lifted off from Boca Chica, Texas, powered by all 33 engines. Subsequently, the booster effectively detached from the spacecraft and shortly afterward underwent what SpaceX termed as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” and detonated.
Visuals of SpaceX’s Starship rocket launch from Starbase during its second test flight in Boca Chica, Texas on November 18, 2023. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
Starship’s engines continued to operate for several minutes during spaceflight until SpaceX lost data from the rocket’s second stage, SpaceX officials conveyed during a live broadcast. Officials indicated that it seemed the spacecraft had detonated.
“It seems that the automatic flight termination system on the second stage activated too late as we were descending over the Gulf of Mexico,” aerospace engineer John Inspruker disclosed during the live broadcast.
Visuals of SpaceX’s Starship rocket launch from Starbase during its second test flight in Boca Chica, Texas on November 18, 2023. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
SpaceX praised its team for the successful liftoff and booster separation, occurring months after the booster’s inability to detach during the initial flight test.
“With trials of this nature, success stems from our learning, and today’s trial will aid us in enhancing the dependability of Starship as SpaceX strives to enable life on multiple planets,” SpaceX stated on x on Saturday.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed no injuries or damage to public property resulting from an “incident” during the launch.
Visuals of SpaceX’s Starship rocket launch from Starbase during its second test flight in Boca Chica, Texas on November 18, 2023. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
The FAA declared its intent to oversee the accident investigation led by SpaceX to ascertain the root cause and methods to prevent its recurrence.
SpaceX is prohibited from conducting a third Starship flight test until the FAA deems that public safety is not compromised. Additionally, the FAA mentioned that SpaceX would need to submit a request to amend its license for additional flights.
During the initial test in April, the rocket had to self-destruct approximately three minutes post-launch due to the failure of the boosters to separate.
After the second test flight, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson felicitated those involved.
“Space flight is an audacious expedition that demands a can-do attitude and daring innovation,” Nelson expressed in a statement. statement on x, “Today’s trial is an opportunity to learn – to fly again.”
He went on to say, “Together @NASA and @SpaceX will return humanity to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”
Starship is intended for transporting passengers to the Moon and Mars as part of NASA’s Artemis program and will eventually accommodate up to 100 individuals on extended, interplanetary voyages.
ABC News’ Gina Sunseri and Gio Benitez contributed to this report.
Source: abcnews.go.com
