SpaceX's large spacecraft, Starship, failed its Earth orbital test flight. However, it managed to successfully recover the rocket that had failed during the previous test flight, alleviating some disappointment.
On the 16th (local time), at 4:37 p.m., SpaceX attempted the 7th test flight of Starship.
This test flight was the first attempt to evaluate Starship's transportation capabilities. SpaceX aimed to place 10 model satellites into orbit that are similar in size and weight to the next-generation Starlink satellites.
Starship successfully separated the first-stage rocket from the second-stage spacecraft after launch. However, the second-stage spacecraft then disappeared from the screen, and communication was lost, making it impossible to verify the spacecraft's status.
SpaceX stated, "Communication was lost 8 minutes 30 seconds after the start of the flight," and noted, "The spacecraft is in a lost state."
However, SpaceX successfully recovered the first-stage rocket, Super Heavy, which had failed to recover during the previous 6th test flight. Using the method that was successful during the 5th launch, the Mechazilla, known as the "chopstick arm," successfully grabbed Super Heavy.
Starship is the largest rocket in human history. It measures 120 meters in total length and has a thrust of 7,590 tf (ton-force; 1 tf is the force required to lift 1 ton). Starship can carry a payload of 100 to 150 tons, allowing up to 100 astronauts to travel at once. SpaceX plans to utilize Starship for future Mars exploration.