SpaceX Starship booster crash ends double catch attempt

Flight details and outcome

SpaceX launched Starship on Friday for a 22-hour mission aimed at capturing the entire rocket. The first-stage booster malfunctioned shortly after lift-off instead of returning to its Texas pad. An automatic abort diverted the vehicle offshore where it splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico. The spacecraft itself continued soaring into orbit despite this significant setback for the company.

Technical context and history

This event marked the first attempt to recover an upgraded booster stretching 236 feet tall. The mission also targeted catching a ship spanning 171 feet using mechanical arms on the launch tower. SpaceX had previously made three successful booster grabs at its Starbase near the US-Mexico border. This specific test involved dropping off 26 advanced Starlink satellites before completing orbital laps.

Future plans and response

SpaceX commentator Kate Tice noted the outcome was not hoped for but aligned with safety checks. No explanation was provided regarding the specific technical issue that caused the booster to crash. A launch of Starships from Florida by the company is scheduled for soon within a few months. Falcon rockets will continue flying from Cape Canaveral while Starship infrastructure scales up.