SpaceX Fails to Catch Starship Booster During Test Flight

Booster Landing Failure

SpaceX missed its booster recovery target during a Starship test flight on Tuesday when automated systems aborted the catch at the launch tower in Texas. The company failed to capture the booster during a test flight with Starship, as Nieuwsblad reported.

Engineers encountered problems shortly after liftoff, forcing the rocket stage to make a controlled splashdown in the sea instead of returning to the launch mount. Three previous test flights successfully landed their boosters back at the facility.

The upper-stage Starship spacecraft separated from the booster and deployed mock satellites into orbit for the Starlink internet network. The ship then began a series of orbital revolutions designed to last 22 hours.

Test Flight Objectives

SpaceX built Starship as the largest rocket system in history, standing as a critical asset for both commercial satellite deployment and future crewed missions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans to use the vehicle to land astronauts on the moon.

The company intends to attempt a catch of the upper-stage Starship spacecraft itself during a subsequent test. Tuesday’s flight marked the continuation of an aggressive test campaign aimed at achieving full reusability for both rocket stages.

Why the Booster Missed the Tower and Starship's Orbit

Why did the booster miss the launch tower?

SpaceX encountered unspecified problems shortly after liftoff that prevented the Super Heavy booster from guiding itself into position for the mechanical arms. Ground controllers chose a controlled splashdown in the sea rather than attempting a compromised tower catch.

What happened to the rest of the rocket?

The upper-stage Starship separated from the booster as planned and deployed satellites for the Starlink internet service. The spacecraft then continued on a trajectory involving 14 orbits around the Earth lasting a total of 22 hours.

More on this story: SpaceX to Attempt Historic Double Catch of Starship and Super Heavy Booster