SpaceX's Starship reached orbit and exploded upon ocean splashdown.
They publishedSpaceX's Starship reaches orbit for the first time, then returns early and explodes
First reportBloomberg · 28 Sept, 17:23Z
Latest reportLive Science · 28 Sept, 17:35Z
Span1 hours · two reports
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Why it matters
What
SpaceX's Starship launched Monday, reached a 170-mile orbit, deployed Starlink V3 satellites, then exploded after Pacific splashdown.
Why
The mission continued despite one of 33 engines failing shortly after launch and completed satellite deployment before ending early.
Watch
SpaceX's assessment of the engine failure and the explosion shortly after the vehicle reached the Pacific.
Where the coverage comes from
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How it unfolded — every article
Summary
- Scott Morton, former SpaceX Starship software manager, comments on the milestone.
- Morton also founded Revel and led software and automation discussions.
- He notes engineers will analyze flight data for months after the flight.
- The mission aimed to create a rapidly reusable vehicle capable of humans to Mars.
- The Bloomberg Tech segment discusses Starship's early vision and trajectory.
Summary
- Starship launched from SpaceX Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas on Monday.
- One of Starship's 33 engines failed shortly after launch.
- Mission team decided to proceed to orbit; Starship entered a 170 mile high orbit.
- Starlink V3 satellites were deployed before the mission ended early.
- The vehicle splashed down in the Pacific and exploded shortly afterward.