Key Points:
- SpaceX Starship rocket exploded into flames during re-entry into the Indian Ocean following carrying out its test flight on May 28.
- The rocket lost stability and out of control tumbled after experiencing a fuel leak, its third failed launch in a row.
Key Points:
- The launch took off from SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas.
- The cargo bay door of the rocket failed in mid-flight.
- The FAA is investigating and has suspended future launches until a review is complete.
Key Background :
SpaceX test-fired its Starship rocket into the air on May 28, 2025, from SpaceX’s Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. It was Starship’s ninth test flight and its most ambitious yet, aiming to prove that something had been done toward the final objective of developing a working, reusable rocket system for deep-space flights in the years to come.
At first, the launch was seen to have been successful. The Jettisoning of the Super Heavy booster went as planned, and the top-stage Starship exhibited a scheduled suborbital flight. One of the primary milestones marked on this mission was the implementation of a reused booster, which was an advancement in reusability — one of the primary objectives of SpaceX. Furthermore, Starship flew faster and longer than it had on previous tests.
But at about 49 minutes into the flight, issues started to arise. A malfunction stopped the cargo bay door of the rocket from closing after being opened in simulation of satellite deployment. It caused overheating while reentering the atmosphere. More importantly, the engineers noticed a leak in the fuel that made the rocket spin out of control. The spacecraft disintegrated over the Indian Ocean on reentry.
This crash is the third test flight in which the Starship did not accomplish its intended function, though all three have been enlightening. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk noted that this iterative failure is development. He also noted that the heat shield, which had failed on earlier tests, did better this time, leaving more of its protective tiles in place.
The FAA has initiated an investigation into the mishap. Flight activity out of Florida’s major airports was briefly suspended as a precautionary measure while the launch window was open. Future Starship flights will be suspended pending the completion of the investigation and any necessary corrective action.
In spite of this hiccup, SpaceX is proceeding full speed with the program. Musk said SpaceX will adopt a more aggressive testing schedule with a new Starship launching every three to four weeks. Long-term ambitions for the company involve sending Starship to send people to the Moon and Mars as part of NASA’s Artemis program and beyond.
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