SpaceX's Starship faces significant challenges as it attempts to master in-space refueling necessary for Mars missions and potential NASA astronaut launches. Recent test flights of the upgraded Starship Block 2 have ended in failure, primarily due to issues caused by vibrations leading to propellant leaks and subsequent engine failures. SpaceX has been adjusting engineering solutions, yet the problems persist, prompting investigation of possible design flaws as they work under FAA oversight to ensure the vehicle's reliability for future missions including potential NASA partnerships.
Before any of this becomes possible, SpaceX must prove it has overcome the setbacks encountered on the two previous test flights.
SpaceX investigators, working under the oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration, determined the Starship test flight in January failed after propellant leaks led to fires in the rocket's aft compartment.
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