SpaceX Loses Contact With Starship During Test Flight

Elon Musk’s SpaceX lost communication with its Starship spacecraft shortly after launching its eighth test flight from Starbase, Texas on Friday.

The rocket lifted off at 6:30 PM EST on Thursday (5:00 AM IST Friday).

Around seven minutes after takeoff, the Super Heavy booster successfully landed back at the launch tower, where it was caught by Mechazilla, the tower’s ‘chopstick’ arms.

Taking to X, SpaceX posted, “Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster!”

However, the Starship spacecraft experienced a loss of altitude control and subsequently lost communication with the ground.

According to SpaceX, “Prior to the end of the ascent burn, an energetic event in the aft portion of Starship resulted in the loss of several Raptor engines. This, in turn, led to a loss of attitude control and ultimately a loss of communications with Starship.”

“Final contact with Starship came approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff,” the company stated.

A similar communication loss had occurred during the seventh test flight, but SpaceX assured, “Starship flew within a designated launch and there is no harm to the public both on the ground, on water, and in the air.”

Safety Measures & Investigation

Following the incident, SpaceX activated pre-planned contingency responses in coordination with the FAA, Air Traffic Control, and safety officials.

The company stated that any debris from the spacecraft would have fallen within a pre-designated area and would not impact marine life or water quality.

“With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability,” SpaceX shared on social media.

The company has begun a thorough investigation in collaboration with the FAA and plans to implement corrective measures for future test flights.

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