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SpaceX Starship Program Faces Setbacks After Texas Explosion
SpaceX has encountered several difficulties this year, particularly concerning its Starship launches. The most recent event involved a Starship rocket, resulting in a significant explosion over Texas, prompting widespread inquiries into the cause. This incident follows previous mishaps, raising questions about the future of the SpaceX Starship program.
Past Starship Launch Mishaps
In the preceding month, Starship 9 suffered a propellant escape, leading to the spacecraft spinning uncontrollably mid-air and subsequently breaking apart during reentry above the Indian Ocean. Prior to that, in March, an unmanned Starship detonated during its eighth evaluation flight, causing disturbances in air traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intervened, directing SpaceX to conduct an investigation into the test flight’s failure.
The FAA stated, “A mishap investigation is designed to enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again. The FAA will be involved in every step of the SpaceX-led mishap investigation process and must approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions. A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety.”
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Below, explore what the SpaceX rocket was for and the details about its explosion.
Details Surrounding the Starship Incident
Was This a Starship Spaceflight?
The Starship rocket was undergoing preparations for its 10th test flight, not an actual space voyage. SpaceX affirmed the location’s safety following the incident.
“A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation, and all personnel are safe and accounted for,” the company posted. “Our Starbase team is actively working to safe the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials. There are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, and we ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue.”
What Caused the Starship Anomaly?
SpaceX reported that the spacecraft “experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase” around 11 p.m. CT on Wednesday, June 18. The precise nature of this “anomaly” affecting the Starship rocket remains unclear.
Future SpaceX Launch Schedules
Where to Find the Next Launch Dates
A timeline of planned orbital missions is available at spaceflightnow.com. SpaceX missions can also be tracked at nextspaceflight.com.