Outlook Business Desk
On May 27, 2025, SpaceX launched its ninth Starship test flight from Texas. While the rocket reached space, it lost control mid-flight and disintegrated over the Indian Ocean.
SpaceX’s Starship, aiming for Mars missions, embarked on its ninth test flight, marking the first reuse of a Super Heavy booster.
The launch reached important milestones like successful stage separation and flying into suborbital space, doing better than earlier tests.
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, a fuel leak caused the spacecraft to spin uncontrollably, leading to a loss of attitude control.
The uncontrolled spin resulted in the spacecraft’s disintegration upon re-entry over the Indian Ocean. The Super Heavy booster also failed to land safely.
Key mission goals, including deploying mock Starlink satellites and testing thermal shields, were not achieved due to the anomalies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident to ensure safety rules are followed in future test flights.
SpaceX plans to increase its testing cadence, aiming for a launch every three to four weeks, as it continues to refine Starship for future missions.