SpaceX loses Starship on approach to space in test flight

SpaceX experienced a setback with the second major test of their Starship spacecraft. During the test, which was broadcast live, the spacecraft was supposed to reach near space but it exploded mid-flight. The commentators on the live stream believed that the Starship's self-destruct system, which is designed to destroy the rocket if it goes off course or has a problem, might have been triggered. John Insprucker, a SpaceX engineer, mentioned on the stream that they might have lost the second stage of the spacecraft, which meant it didn't enter the coast phase as planned.

The Starship, which is part of SpaceX's next-generation space travel plans, was launched from their facility in Texas. It was carried by the Super Heavy booster, and the initial part of the flight went smoothly. The two parts of the rocket separated on schedule, which was an improvement from the first test flight in April where they failed to do so. However, shortly after this success, the Super Heavy booster exploded, and not long after, the Starship was surrounded by debris, indicating it had also failed. Despite the loss of the spacecraft, SpaceX might still consider the test a partial success because they achieved some new milestones.

One of the key achievements of this test was the successful demonstration of 'hot staging,' a technique where the Starship's engines are ignited while still attached to the Super Heavy booster. This gives the Starship an extra push during separation. Although the mission didn't go as planned, SpaceX's approach to rocket development involves learning from each test. They will analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to improve future missions.