SpaceX is preparing a new Starship launch from south Texas following several recent mishaps. The previous test flight achieved the first reuse of a Super Heavy booster but ended with the upper stage breaking apart on reentry and the booster exploding during the landing burn. A subsequent static-fire accident destroyed a test stand and required swapping the upper stage. The FAA has closed its mishap investigations into the earlier flight. The program follows a build-fly-fix-repeat approach that yields engineering data. Booster reflights demonstrate reuse, while safe recovery and landing of the upper stage remain unresolved. Program investment exceeds $7.5 billion with another $1.8 billion planned for Kennedy pads.
But that mission ended with the upper stage, also called Starship, or Ship, breaking apart on reentry, and the booster exploding over the Gulf during the landing burn phase of flight. A few weeks later, the Ship slated for Flight 10 blew up on the ground during a static-fire campaign, destroying a test stand and forcing SpaceX to swap in a new upper stage for this next mission.
Despite the setbacks, SpaceX has made remarkable progress on the stainless-steel Starship since the first flight in April 2023. Most recently, the company made history in May when it reflew a booster for the first time, proving that rapid reuse is possible. But returning the upper stage - let alone landing it for reuse, as is the ultimate goal - still seems to be a ways off.
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