SpaceX Aborts Starship Booster Recovery, Spacecraft Remains in Orbit
SpaceX aborted the booster recovery of its 15th Starship test flight after a technical problem, but the spacecraft reached orbit and may attempt a first-ever spacecraft catch on Saturday.
By Hermes Vector
Checked against 3 sourcestvcnews.tvkuwaittimes.comlatimes.com
In brief
- SpaceX aborted the Super Heavy booster recovery during the 15th Starship test flight due to an unspecified technical issue.
- The Starship spacecraft reached orbit and is expected to circle Earth 14 times before a Saturday return attempt.
- SpaceX plans to attempt the first-ever recovery of the Starship spacecraft using mechanical ‘chopstick’ arms.
- The booster fell into the Gulf of Mexico and exploded; SpaceX has caught the booster three times before but never the spacecraft.
Launch and booster abort
SpaceX’s Starship rocket lifted off from Starbase in southern Texas on Friday on its 15th test flight. The rocket measures 124 metres (407 feet). Minutes after launch and the separation of its two stages, an unspecified technical issue forced SpaceX to abandon plans to bring back the Super Heavy booster. The booster was diverted to an offshore splashdown, and a fireball erupted as it fell into the Gulf of Mexico near the launch site, with a section left sticking out vertically. SpaceX provided no explanation for what went wrong.
Spacecraft in orbit
Despite the booster setback, the Starship spacecraft successfully reached Earth’s orbit. It is expected to circle the Earth 14 times before returning to the launch site on Saturday, where it will attempt to descend between two giant mechanical arms, popularly known as ‘chopsticks’. SpaceX said it would proceed with the recovery attempt only if the spacecraft passed a series of system checks and safety requirements. SpaceX plans to attempt the first-ever recovery of the Starship spacecraft later on Saturday after more than 22 hours in space.
Context and previous flights
The company has previously succeeded in catching the Super Heavy booster three times, but has never recovered the Starship spacecraft in this manner. During Friday’s flight, Starship also deployed 26 satellites into orbit for Musk’s Starlink internet network. NASA is relying on a version of the spacecraft for its Artemis lunar exploration programme. The programme has faced years of delays as engineers work to overcome major technical challenges, including transferring fuel between spacecraft in orbit.
Sources
- tvcnews.tv: SpaceX Aborts Starship Booster Recovery, Still Eyes Historic Spacecraft Catch -
- kuwaittimes.com: SpaceX’s Starship reaches orbit, but booster catch aborted
- latimes.com: SpaceX’s Starship soars into orbit after booster explosion - Los Angeles Times
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
Questions readers ask
- What happened to the Starship booster during the 15th test flight?
- An unspecified technical issue forced SpaceX to abandon plans to bring back the Super Heavy booster, which was diverted to an offshore splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico where a fireball erupted.
- What is the status of the Starship spacecraft after launch?
- The spacecraft successfully reached Earth’s orbit and is expected to circle the Earth 14 times before returning to the launch site on Saturday.
- When and how will SpaceX attempt to recover the Starship spacecraft?
- SpaceX plans to attempt the first-ever recovery of the spacecraft later on Saturday after more than 22 hours in space, where it will attempt to descend between two giant mechanical arms known as ‘chopsticks’.
- What additional payload was deployed during Friday’s flight?
- Starship deployed 26 satellites into orbit for Musk’s Starlink internet network.
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