Video: SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown
SpaceX’s upgraded Starship rocket, the most powerful yet, experienced engine malfunctions during its test flight from Texas, with the booster crashing into the Gulf of Mexico and the upper stage exploding in the Indian Ocean after an otherwise mostly successful mission. The flight marked progress toward NASA’s Artemis program, as the vehicle is designed to land astronauts on the Moon, though SpaceX noted deviations from planned orbital insertion and booster recovery attempts were not executed.
SpaceX’s latest Starship prototype, the most powerful version yet, launched from Starbase near the Mexican border in Texas on its 12th test flight. The rocket carried 20 mock Starlink satellites, which were released mid-flight, but encountered engine trouble during ascent, causing the Super Heavy booster to fail its planned boost-back burn and crash uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico. The upper stage reached space but did not achieve the correct orbit due to a malfunction during its initial burn, though SpaceX described the trajectory as 'within bounds' of expectations. The spacecraft completed its flight path, coasting through space before descending into the Indian Ocean, where it ignited upon impact—a planned but dramatic conclusion. SpaceX had not intended to recover the booster or upper stage, though the company aimed for a controlled return. Elon Musk praised the launch as 'epic,' calling it 'a goal for humanity,' while NASA administrator Jared Isaacman attended the event, stating Starship was now 'one step closer to the Moon.' The third-generation Starship, dubbed V3, stands at 407 feet tall, taller than previous models, with upgraded engines, grid fins, and fuel systems. It also features enhanced cameras, navigation, and docking cones for future lunar missions. Despite the booster’s uncontrolled re-entry, the flight demonstrated progress in Starship’s development, including the successful ejection of modified Starlink satellites that provided live views of the spacecraft. NASA has contracted SpaceX, along with Blue Origin, to develop lunar landers for the Artemis program, with Starship as the primary candidate. The test flight highlighted both advancements and challenges, as SpaceX works toward making Starship fully reusable for crewed missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
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