SpaceX Starship failed to reach space for the second time: here is why

Space exploration is probably one of the most fascinating fields of study out there, and taking into account failures are seen as progress —especially when it comes to science— the SpaceX Starship’s unfortunate second test flight setback is definitely worth checking.

SpaceX Starship has encountered yet another challenge during its highly anticipated second test flight, so join us as we delve into the details of this event.

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SpaceX Starship’s Mission

Science has shown staggering advancements in recent research when it comes to space exploration, yet many challenges continue to appear as efforts merge together to explore into the unknown. A great example of this is the SpaceX Starship.

Now, before getting into the details of the second test flight of SpaceX Starship, it might be helpful to remember what the device is expected to achieve.

As per the official website, the “SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket – collectively referred to as Starship – represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond”.

With a maximum payload capacity of 250 metric tonnes disposable and 150 metric tonnes entirely reusable, Starship is the most potent launch vehicle ever created.

The Launch

The mission, set to span approximately 90 minutes in a near-orbital trajectory, faced unforeseen complexities triggering the automated flight termination system merely 10 minutes into the journey.

This occurrence serves as a disappointing follow-up to the initial setback experienced during the first test flight in April, where the SpaceX Starship met an untimely end, exploding a mere four minutes post-liftoff.

This recent launch unfolded at the SpaceX Starbase facility located in Boca Chica, Texas. Despite the setback, noteworthy achievements were witnessed, with all 33 Raptor engines successfully igniting and the separation of SpaceX Starship from the Super Heavy booster progressing relatively according to plan.

The spacecraft demonstrated resilience during the challenging max q phase, successfully detaching from the Super Heavy booster roughly three minutes after liftoff.

However, the elation was short-lived as the booster experienced what SpaceX officials euphemistically term a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” (RUD), signifying an unexpected explosion.

Signs of Progress for SpaceX Starship

Despite the Super Heavy booster’s unfortunate RUD, SpaceX deemed the launch day as “incredibly successful”. This optimistic assessment was based on notable advancements in engine ignition and the flawless execution of stage separation.

However, the triumph was ephemeral, as contact with SpaceX Starship was abruptly lost around the 12-minute mark, prompting the automated flight termination system’s activation and resulting in the unfortunate destruction of the second stage.

Had SpaceX Starship completed its mission successfully, the trajectory aimed for an altitude of around 146 miles, with a planned splashdown off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, approximately at 8:30 central time.

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Lessons from Previous SpaceX Starship Failures

This incident marks the second occasion where a SpaceX Starship test flight demonstrated initial success but encountered failure later in the mission. SpaceX’s meticulous analysis of the April flight revealed propellant leaks from the Super Heavy booster, leading to fires that severed connections with the primary flight computer.

The failure to separate the upper stage and booster resulted in engineers losing control and ultimately necessitated an abort, culminating in the rocket’s destruction.

Regulatory Hurdles and Technological Upgrades for SpaceX Starship

Following the April explosion, SpaceX, in collaboration with regulatory bodies, including the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), initiated a joint investigation.

The FAA identified a staggering 63 issues that SpaceX needed to address, spanning mitigating debris, redesigning hardware, and enhancing the launch pad.

The FAA concluded its safety review on October 31, and the Fish and Wildlife Service completed its environmental assessment on November 15.

Technological Advancements for SpaceX Starship

A pivotal aspect of the regulatory process was SpaceX Starship’s environmental impact, particularly in the vicinity of the Boca Chica launch site.

Technological upgrades to SpaceX Starship included a water deluge system meticulously designed to suppress flames during launch, a critical measure for preventing debris and pollution.

SpaceX’s novel system involves flooding water through steel plates, addressing concerns raised by the Fish and Wildlife Service post the initial SpaceX Starship launch.

Future Trajectory for SpaceX Starship

Despite the strides made in the regulatory realm, an ongoing lawsuit filed on May 1 by local and environmental groups against the FAA and SpaceX alleges an inadequate investigation of potential environmental harms from the SpaceX Starship program.

The company’s future trajectory encompasses extensive testing and launches as part of NASA contracts and crewed space flights with private passengers, underscoring the paramount importance of resolving challenges and ensuring the safety and success of SpaceX Starship’s groundbreaking venture into space exploration.

In any case, this is undoubtedly a project that arouses all kinds of expectations in the international scientific community and in the general public. For the time being, uncertainty about the future of the program remains and opinions are growing with expectation.

Undoubtedly, the novelties of this project will continue to be talked about.

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