SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ended in failure on Thursday evening when the upper-stage vehicle exploded mid-flight over the Atlantic Ocean.
The uncrewed Starship launched from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas at 6:30 p.m. ET. It was powered by a 232-foot-tall Super Heavy booster. The launch initially went as planned, with the booster successfully separating and returning to the launch tower. However, problems with the upper stage soon became clear.
What Caused the Explosion?
Less than 10 minutes into the flight, several Raptor engines on Starship’s upper stage failed. This caused the spacecraft to lose control. “Once you lose enough of those center engines, you’re going to lose attitude control,” said SpaceX communications manager Dan Huot during a live-streamed broadcast. “At this point, we have lost contact with the ship.”
SpaceX later confirmed that before the end of the ascent burn, an “energetic event” in the back portion of Starship led to engine failures. This caused a loss of attitude control and eventually communication loss with the spacecraft.
Automatic Self-Destruct Activated
According to Spaceflight Now, about three minutes after losing contact, the rocket’s automated self-destruct system activated. This triggered an explosion, causing Starship to break apart and scatter debris along its flight path.
SpaceX stated that the final contact with Starship occurred approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. The company assured that the rocket remained within its designated launch area and that any debris would have landed within the planned Debris Response Area. It also confirmed that the debris contained no toxic materials and posed no major risks to marine life or water quality.
Visible Explosion Seen in Florida and the Caribbean
Observers in Florida and the Caribbean witnessed the explosion as debris streaked across the sky. Some captured videos showing the upper-stage spacecraft breaking apart over the Atlantic. Footage shared from the Exumas and Titusville, Florida, showed the debris resembling an artificial meteor shower.
SpaceX continues to investigate the cause of the failure as it works toward future Starship test flights.
