SpaceX catches Mega Booster but Starship-7 lost in flight

SpaceX catches Mega Booster but Starship-7 lost in flight
by Clarence Oxford
Boca Chica TX (SPX) Thu Jan 16, 2025

SpaceX successfully recovered its Super Heavy booster using its advanced launch tower "chopstick" arms, marking a significant step forward in reusable rocketry. However, the seventh test flight of Starship ended with the loss of the upper stage in orbit, according to company updates.

The launch took place at 4:00 pm Central Time from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had cleared two potential launch windows, with Thursday's attempt proceeding under favorable conditions.

Starship, now standing 403 feet tall with its latest upgrades, lifted off smoothly. The key highlight of the mission was the successful retrieval of the Super Heavy booster, which descended seven minutes after liftoff and was captured by the tower's massive mechanical arms. This maneuver was only the second successful booster catch, following upgrades to the catch tower, including enhanced sensor protections.

"We've implemented critical hardware updates to ensure greater reliability during the booster catch process," SpaceX noted in a pre-launch statement. The adjustments were necessary after the previous attempt in November resulted in a water landing instead of a catch.

Despite the impressive booster recovery, Starship's upper stage encountered difficulties. The stage, carrying 10 Starlink simulators intended to mimic the company's internet satellites, failed to execute its planned controlled descent into the Indian Ocean. SpaceX has not disclosed further details about the failure, though the company's rapid iteration approach suggests insights gained from this flight will feed into future tests.

The mission also showcased Starship's redesigned propulsion system, which now carries 25 percent more propellant, as well as refined forward flaps for improved heat resistance during atmospheric reentry.

Starship's development is central to SpaceX's long-term ambitions of enabling interplanetary travel and providing cost-efficient space transportation. The company has positioned Starship as the successor to its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, with a vision to drastically reduce launch costs. "We are committed to making space accessible and continuing to innovate," said SpaceX Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell.

Looking ahead, Elon Musk has expressed his intention to increase the frequency of Starship tests, aiming for 25 flights in 2025. The FAA is currently reviewing public input on the company's plans, which have faced criticism for their environmental impacts. However, SpaceX remains optimistic about navigating regulatory challenges and achieving its goals.

This test represents both progress and a reminder of the complexities of spaceflight. As SpaceX continues its mission to push the boundaries of innovation, the lessons from Starship-7 will play a crucial role in advancing the next generation of spacecraft.