Starship reaches orbit, but booster aborts landing and explodes in ocean
SpaceX launched its 15th Starship mission, successfully deploying 26 Starlink satellites into orbit, but the Super Heavy booster had to abort its planned return. According to SpaceX, the guidance system detected the rocket was off course, triggering an automated diversion that ended in an explosive splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico instead of a tower catch.
Flight Progress
SpaceX launched its 15th Starship flight from Starbase, Texas, aiming to prove full reusability by recovering both rocket stages. The upper-stage Ship successfully reached orbit and deployed 26 Version 3 Starlink satellites, entering a planned long coast phase.
Booster Abort
The flight plan required the Super Heavy Booster 22 to return to the launch pad about 6.5 minutes after liftoff. However, it diverted to an offshore splashdown instead of attempting a tower catch.
System Response
According to SpaceX commentator Dan Huot, the vehicle's guidance, navigation, and control system triggered an automated abort because the booster was not where it needed to be for a safe catch. The booster subsequently exploded as remaining propellants burned off upon hitting the water, marking a setback for the Version 3 booster series.
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