Introduction to the Starship Test Flight Failure

We have now determined the probable cause of a Starship test flight failure that led to rocket parts falling over popular tourist destinations in January, resulting in airlines diverting flights. The upper stage Starship spacecraft experienced an unexpected harmonic response, according to a statement from SpaceX. This refers to vibrations amplified by resonance, which put additional stress on the propulsion system, likely causing the rocket to explode before reaching space.

Details of the Test Flight

On January 17, the Super Heavy booster’s 33 Raptor engines fired successfully at launch, and the booster started and completed its full burn. The upper stage ignited its Raptor engines as it separated from the booster. Although the booster returned to the ground and was caught at the launch site, there was a minor issue with a low-power condition in one engine’s igniter system, causing it to shut down prematurely. However, the other 12 engines functioned correctly. SpaceX had already identified and rectified this potential problem for future flights by upgrading the igniter system.

Issues with the Starship’s Second Stage

Approximately two minutes after the engine burn began, a flash was observed in the aft section of the vehicle near one of the Raptor vacuum engines. This area, known as the attic, is an unpressurized section between the liquid oxygen tank and the aft heat shield. Sensors detected a pressure rise indicative of a leak after the flash. Shortly after, another flash occurred, and fires broke out in the attic, leading to multiple engines undergoing a controlled shutdown. Communication with the ship was then lost.

Loss of Contact and Breakup

"Contact with Starship was lost prior to triggering any destruct rules for its Autonomous Flight Safety System, which was fully healthy when communication was lost," SpaceX stated. "The vehicle was observed to break apart approximately three minutes after loss of contact during descent. Post-flight analysis indicates that the safety system did trigger autonomously, and breakup occurred within Flight Termination System expectations."

Investigation and Aftermath

The investigation, launched by SpaceX and overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was mandated by the FAA after the incident. Debris from the flight failure fell over the Atlantic Ocean, with some pieces landing on inhabited areas of Turks and Caicos. Although no injuries were reported, residents found remnants of the rocket on their properties and local beaches. SpaceX reported that all debris landed within the pre-planned Debris Response Area and that there were no hazardous materials present, with no significant impacts expected on marine species or water quality.

Future Plans and Modifications

Starship is a super-heavy lift launch vehicle with a key role in NASA’s future plans, including taking astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis program. The rocket’s next test launch is scheduled for Friday, February 28. As a result of the investigation’s findings, several modifications have been made to the design, including changes to the fuel feed lines to the vacuum engines and adjustments to propellant temperatures. Vents and a purge system were also added to the attic to make it more fire-resistant.

Conclusion

Rockets are highly complex, and several Starship tests have ended in mishaps. While progress has been made, including successful catches of the booster stage, there are still issues to be resolved. The continued development and testing of Starship are crucial for its future missions, including transporting astronauts and cargo into orbit.