SpaceX Launches New Starlink V3 Satellites but Experiences Super Heavy Booster Failure
On Friday, SpaceX successfully deployed the first batch of third-generation Starlink satellites using an upgraded version of its prototype Starship rocket. This marked the company's 13th test flight for the mega-rocket and came just over a week after a previous launch attempt was aborted due to engine failures. However, during this latest mission, SpaceX encountered another issue with the Super Heavy booster during a planned simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico. The failure mirrored one from May when the same component malfunctioned on Starship V3's first flight. Although Friday’s booster made progress compared to previous attempts, it failed to ignite all engines for its landing burn and exploded upon impact. The launch occurred shortly after SpaceX went public with what was then considered the largest IPO in history. The company has seen a decline in stock price since going public, dropping from over $200 per share to around $115 by Friday's close. Shares fell further following this booster failure but recovered some of those losses later.
Topics: Rocket Launch SpaceX Starlink Starship Test Flight