SpaceX’s second Starship test flight ended in a violent explosion eight minutes after takeoff, but Elon Musk contends that the outcome could have been markedly different. Musk asserts that the massive Starship rocket exhibited better performance than its explosive conclusion would imply during its second-ever test flight.
Launched from SpaceX’s Starbase site in South Texas on November 18 of the previous year, the mission concluded with the upper-stage spacecraft, also named Starship, detonating high in the Texas sky. Musk reveals that, up until that point, the vehicle was operating admirably and would likely have continued on a successful trajectory if it had been a routine, operational flight.
Musk suggests that the outcome might have been different if the craft had been carrying a payload. In a recent company update posted by SpaceX on January 12, Musk explained that Flight 2 “actually almost made it to orbit.” The explosion resulted from a venting of liquid oxygen, with the irony being that there was liquid oxygen left to vent only because Starship wasn’t carrying any satellites that day.
SpaceX’s goal with Starship is to support Mars colonization and achieve other ambitious exploration objectives. Comprising a first-stage booster called Super Heavy and the 165-foot (50-meter) tall Starship upper stage, both designed for full and rapid reusability, the vehicle is part of SpaceX’s innovative endeavors.
Despite the Nov. 18 flight ending explosively, Musk expresses optimism for future missions. He anticipates a high chance of reaching orbit with Flight 3 and envisions a rapid cadence to achieve full and rapid reusability. SpaceX plans to launch Flight 3 next month, contingent on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issuing a license, with an ongoing investigation into the events of Flight 2.
Musk envisions operational capabilities soon, intending to launch Starlink internet satellites aboard Starship by year-end. NASA has chosen Starship as the first crewed lander for its Artemis moon exploration program, with the first crewed mission, Artemis 3, targeted for September 2026.
While the current Starship is already the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, it remains a prototype. Musk reveals plans for a Version 2 with improved reliability and performance, and a Version 3 design that will be even taller, potentially reaching lengths of 140 to 150 meters. SpaceX aims for continuous advancements as it works towards the operational deployment of its ambitious Starship.