SpaceX’s most powerful rocket, Starship, has once again ended its test mission in failure after exploding mid-flight during its ninth launch attempt. The rocket lost control around 30 minutes after takeoff from Boca Chica, Texas, and disintegrated upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.
According to reports, the uncrewed vehicle suffered a fuel leak in orbit, leading to a violent spin that SpaceX later confirmed as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.” This term has become synonymous with unexpected breakups or explosions during testing.
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Despite the failure, SpaceX remains optimistic. The company said every test helps improve Starship’s future reliability, which is crucial for its goal of reaching the Moon and Mars. The massive rocket had reached a higher altitude than any previous test, showing partial success.
The incident forced the FAA to suspend departures at major Florida airports due to falling debris and raised concerns about safety and environmental impact. Critics also continue to question the growing ties between Elon Musk’s companies and US government agencies.