SpaceX's Starship Flight 9 launched from Texas but crashed 30 minutes into the flight. Elon Musk stated, "We obtained significant data."
SpaceX: Elon Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of SpaceX, saw his ambitious Starship project once again in the headlines. The world's most powerful rocket launched from Boca Chica, Texas, around 5:00 AM on May 28th (IST). However, approximately 30 minutes after launch, the rocket lost control and crashed during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Despite the crash, SpaceX collected valuable data that will contribute to future launch improvements.
Starship Crashes for the Third Time
This marked the third time Starship failed to reach its destination and crashed after launch. However, this flight also achieved a significant milestone. The rocket's booster successfully executed a hard landing in the Gulf of Mexico, marking a partial success in the recovery attempt. One of the booster's center engines was intentionally shut down to test the capability of the backup engines.
Elon Musk's Statement
Following the launch, Elon Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Starship completed its planned engine cutoff, a better performance than previous flights. He explained that a drop in tank pressure during the re-entry phase caused the crash. Musk expressed optimism, anticipating three more launches in quick succession, approximately one every 3-4 weeks. This will further test Starship's design and technology.
Rocket Specifications
SpaceX designated this mission 'Starship Flight 9.' It utilized a Super Heavy booster and a Starship. The rocket is approximately 400 feet tall and is fully reusable. It is equipped with 33 Raptor engines, 29 of which successfully ignited during this flight.
The mission also successfully completed a crucial process called 'hot-staging.' The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Starship's flight, designating a 1600 nautical mile 'aircraft hazard area' around the flight path.
Significance of the Starship Mission
Elon Musk envisions Starship as a multi-purpose rocket, capable of transporting humans and cargo beyond Earth's orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Musk plans to use Starship to establish a human settlement on Mars in the future. This flight provided the company with valuable data to further improve Starship's design and capabilities.
Musk and Trump's Discussed Partnership
It is noteworthy that after Donald Trump's re-election as President, Elon Musk was given a significant responsibility. Trump appointed Musk as the head of the DOGE project. However, Musk has currently distanced himself from politics, focusing on his company SpaceX and other business ventures. Musk is currently concentrating on Starship's success.
