Space News Blog

Starship Test Launch

Source for Image

Just a few days ago, on April 20th, SpaceX attempted to lauch the most powerful rocket ever built. This test launch was the culmnation of years of work for SpaceX, and incorporated prior experience from several other programs. While there have been prior Starship test launches, none of them incorporated the upper stage along with the primary booster. This launch attempt was planned to go into space and complete almost a full orbit before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. However, the rocket quickly lost thrust as it ascended, as when it first fired up its engines they broke the concrete launchpad, sending debris back into the rocket. This damaged a few engines, which led to a domino effect, leading to the rocket spinning out of control befor being terminated.

The launch attempt can be viewed here:

Link to video