SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — SpaceX was forced to conduct a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” after the first launch of its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket.
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9:52 a.m. update:
After Starship and Super Heavy cleared the launch pad technical issues appeared to occur while in flight.
Watch the full Starship flight test here:
Watch Starship’s first integrated flight test → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK https://t.co/14MZeMTApK
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 20, 2023
A flip maneuver at the time of stage separation looked to become several uncontrolled rotations of the rocket.
After tumbling in the air a few times it appeared that a self-destruct command was given and the rocket and spacecraft exploded over the Gulf of Mexico.
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“With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve Starship’s reliability as SpaceX seeks to make life multi-planetary,” SpaceX officials said.
Liftoff of Starship! pic.twitter.com/4t8mRP37Gp
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 20, 2023
Channel 9 is monitoring updates on the launch and will provide continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.
Original report:
SpaceX is set to try for the second time to launch the world’s most powerful rocket on Thursday.
An issue with a stuck value on the first-stage booster forced the company to call off a planned launch attempt on Monday.
The Starship team is go for prop load; team is keeping an eye on the weather → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK pic.twitter.com/oNNewQfeYT
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 20, 2023
SpaceX is now aiming for 9:28 a.m. Thursday for its 2nd launch attempt from its “Starbase” in Texas.
Read: SpaceX scrubs launch of Starship rocket
The company plans to eventually use Starship to send people and cargo to the moon and ultimately to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis III mission depends on the success of Starship.
Read: Crew announced for private moon mission aboard SpaceX’s Starship
NASA officials said a variant of the vehicle will be used to land humans on the moon.
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