The rocket debris of SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy booster has been spotted in the sky after a “rapid unplanned disassembly” before part of the device successfully returned to its “sticks” for a second time.
The vehicle took off from SpaceX’s Starbase test site in Boca Chica, Texas. The booster then separated about two minutes and 45 seconds after liftoff and headed back toward the Starbase, Space News reported.
SpaceX’s Starship booster mega rocket returns to the launch pad during a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
“Starship experienced a rapid unplanned disassembly during ascent,” SpaceX said in a statement. “Teams will continue to review data from today’s flight test to better understand the root cause. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship reliability.”
