The seventh test launch of the Starship spacecraft, developed by SpaceX for manned missions to the Moon and Mars, ended in an explosion. Despite the initial launch success and return of the Super Heavy reusable launch vehicle, the rocket's second stage failed to launch the Starship into orbit. This was reported by SpaceX.
The launch took place from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The rocket launched successfully, and the Super Heavy carrier successfully landed on the launch complex thanks to the manipulators of the Mechazilla system. However, about 8 minutes after launch, the second stage of the rocket experienced a "rapid unplanned disassembly" - this is how SpaceX described the explosion.
The company's statement emphasizes that each test run helps to improve the technology. "Today's flight will help us improve the reliability of Starship," SpaceX said.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, explained the reason for the failure. According to him, an oxygen or fuel leak in the engine area created pressure that exceeded the capacity of the vent. Musk assured that the next launch of Starship, scheduled for next month, will not be delayed.
"We will add fire suppression to this volume and possibly increase the ventilation opening. Success is uncertain, but fun is guaranteed!” Musk wrote on the X social network, posting a video of the rocket debris falling.
