Tech fans, get ready for a wild ride as SpaceX's Starship took off on its 9th uncrewed test flight from Texas on Tuesday evening. After two explosive attempts earlier this year, each flight is a step closer to making multiplanetary travel a reality.
The mission featured a futuristic two-stage spacecraft: the Starship vessel mounted atop a towering Super Heavy booster. At about 7:36 p.m. EDT from Starbase near Brownsville, its powerful Raptor engines roared to life. This launch was extra special as it tested a previously flown booster, marking a key milestone in the push for reusability and sustainable space travel.
Shortly after liftoff, the first stage successfully separated and began its descent back to Earth. However, contact was lost during its return, and the booster is now presumed to have plunged into the sea instead of achieving a controlled splashdown.
The upper-stage Starship continued its journey, reaching its suborbital trajectory about nine minutes into flight. A technical hiccup emerged when the payload doors failed to open to release simulated satellites. Less than 90 minutes into the mission, a loss of attitude control sent the Starship spinning during re-entry. As one commentator noted, "Our chances of making it all the way down are pretty slim."
With Federal regulators granting approval just four days ago after an extensive investigation, this adventurous flight pushes the boundaries of technology and inspires tech enthusiasts across South and Southeast Asia. It's a reminder that every setback is just a stepping stone to soaring new heights. 🚀🙌
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SpaceX Starship launches on ninth test flight after last two blew up
cgtn.com
