SpaceX’s first launch of Starship spacecraft with world’s biggest rocket ends in mid-air explosion

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — SpaceX was forced to conduct a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” after the first launch of its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

9:52 a.m. update:

After Starship and Super Heavy cleared the launch pad technical issues appeared to occur while in flight.

Watch the full Starship flight test here:

A flip maneuver at the time of stage separation looked to become several uncontrolled rotations of the rocket.

After tumbling in the air a few times it appeared that a self-destruct command was given and the rocket and spacecraft exploded over the Gulf of Mexico.

Photos: SpaceX’s first launch of Starship spacecraft with world’s biggest rocket ends in mid-air explosion

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 19

SpaceX’s first launch of Starship spacecraft with world’s biggest rocket ends in mid-air explosion

“With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve Starship’s reliability as SpaceX seeks to make life multi-planetary,” SpaceX officials said.

Channel 9 is monitoring updates on the launch and will provide continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.

Original report:

SpaceX is set to try for the second time to launch the world’s most powerful rocket on Thursday.

An issue with a stuck value on the first-stage booster forced the company to call off a planned launch attempt on Monday.

SpaceX is now aiming for 9:28 a.m. Thursday for its 2nd launch attempt from its “Starbase” in Texas.

Read: SpaceX scrubs launch of Starship rocket

The company plans to eventually use Starship to send people and cargo to the moon and ultimately to Mars.

NASA’s Artemis III mission depends on the success of Starship.

Read: Crew announced for private moon mission aboard SpaceX’s Starship

NASA officials said a variant of the vehicle will be used to land humans on the moon.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group