On Saturday, SpaceX attempted to launch the Starship, a large rocket, but unfortunately, both the booster and the spacecraft were lost due to explosions just minutes into the test flight.

The spacecraft successfully entered space after launching from South Texas, but communication was abruptly lost. According to SpaceX officials, it seems that the ship’s self-destruct mechanism caused it to explode over the Gulf of Mexico.

The booster had detonated above the gulf a few minutes prior. However, at that point, it had already completed its task.

Saturday’s demo lasted eight or so minutes, about twice as long as the first test in April, which also ended in an explosion. The latest flight came to an end as the ship’s six engines were almost done firing to put it on an around-the-world path.

Starship, standing at a height of approximately 400 feet (121 meters), is the largest and most formidable rocket ever constructed. Its purpose is to transport individuals to the moon and Mars.

“The successful liftoff today was the cherry on top,” stated SpaceX commentator John Insprucker, acknowledging that all 33 booster engines functioned as planned, unlike the previous attempt. The booster also detached smoothly from the spaceship, which achieved an altitude of 92 miles (148 kilometers).

Kate Tice, who provided commentary, stated, “We have obtained a large amount of data, which will be beneficial in enhancing future flights.”

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, observed the launch from control stations located near Boca Chica Beach in Texas, close to the Mexico border. Meanwhile, at the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California, employees celebrated as Starship successfully took flight in the early morning. However, the atmosphere quickly turned somber as it became evident that the spacecraft had been destroyed.

SpaceX’s goal was to reach an altitude of 150 miles (240 kilometers), which would allow the spacecraft to travel around the world before landing in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii approximately 1.5 hours after launch. However, the spacecraft did not achieve a full orbit.

After the flight demonstration in April, SpaceX implemented numerous enhancements to both the rocket and launch pad. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the rocket for flight on Wednesday, after ensuring that all safety and environmental issues had been addressed.

Following Saturday’s launch, the FAA confirmed that no injuries or public damage had been reported. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the issue. The FAA stated that SpaceX will not be able to launch another Starship until the review is finished and necessary adjustments are made.

NASA is relying on Starship to successfully transport astronauts to the moon by the end of 2025 or soon after. In order to make this happen, the space agency has given SpaceX a $3 billion contract. This involves transferring astronauts from the Orion capsule to Starship while in lunar orbit, before descending to the moon’s surface.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, formerly known as Twitter, stated that today’s exam presents a chance for learning and future success.

The Starship stands at a height of 34 feet (10 meters) taller compared to NASA’s Saturn V rocket, which transported astronauts to the moon over 50 years ago. It is also 75 feet (23 meters) taller than NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, which completed a mission around the moon last year without a crew. Additionally, it boasts approximately twice the amount of thrust during liftoff.

As previously mentioned, there were no valuable items on board the Starship for the test run.

After successfully testing Starship, Musk intends to utilize the fully reusable mega rockets to send satellites into Earth’s orbit, transport equipment and individuals to the moon, and eventually to Mars.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP holds complete responsibility for all of the content.

Source: wral.com