The Starship's recent test flight aimed at a controlled reentry after a worldwide journey faltered due to failures in its Raptor engines, leading to a loss of control and communication shortly after launch. Engineers had anticipated resolving previous issues related to propellant leaks and vibrations but were blindsided by an energetic event during ascent, causing engine shutdowns. Consequently, debris was observed over various regions, prompting air traffic diversions similar to the previous incident in January, highlighting ongoing challenges for SpaceX's ambitious program.
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, leading to a loss of attitude control.
Engineers determined the most likely cause of the propellant leak was a harmonic response several times stronger than predicted, suggesting the vibrations intensified beyond expected levels.
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