SpaceX Starship Second Test Launch Ends in Communication Loss and Explosion

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2023-11-21

Space Exploration Technologies (Space X) conducted its second test launch of the unmanned space vehicle "Starship" into space on 18th, U.S. local time, however, it exploded and lost contact a few minutes after takeoff, and the spacecraft lost its signal afterward.

According to media reports, Space Exploration Technologies' test-launch of the spacecraft "Starship" did not accomplish its mission, but it still made significant contributions. Compared to the first test launch in April, the Starship flew farther than before, and it successfully separated from the heavy thrusters, which meant that the Starship's engines started after about two and a half minutes of flight. This time, the spacecraft was also successfully separated from the thrusters by a new method called "hot staging".

It was reported that the thruster tumbled out of control after detaching from the spacecraft Starship and exploded over the Gulf of Mexico shortly thereafter, although the spacecraft Starship continued to fly. Space Exploration Technologies emphasized that the Thermal Classification was considered the most difficult part of the test launch, so from their perspective, the mission was a success.