SpaceX put on quite a show with the seventh flight test of its Starship megarocket, launching from its Starbase site in South Texas. The 403-foot-tall (123 meters) vehicle lifted off successfully, achieved stage separation, and the first-stage booster, Super Heavy, made a dramatic catch by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms.
However, around eight minutes into the flight, SpaceX lost contact with the Starship upper stage, known as Ship, leading to its explosion over the Atlantic Ocean near the Turks and Caicos islands. The event created a spectacular sky show witnessed by many in the area, with photos and videos shared on X, the social media site owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
Related: SpaceX catches Super Heavy booster on Starship Flight 7 test but loses upper stage (video, photos)
Just saw the most insane #spacedebris #meteorshower right now in Turks and Caicos @elonmusk what is it?? pic.twitter.com/a7f4MbEB8QJanuary 16, 2025
Starship Flight 7 breaking up and re-entering over Turks and Caicos pic.twitter.com/iuQ0YAy17OJanuary 16, 2025
Starship from the Icon of the Seas (Caribbean Sea) @SpaceX @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/1zzspKDgNUJanuary 16, 2025
Here’s the exact moment Ship 33 experienced a RUD. pic.twitter.com/iI7DtLiZlEJanuary 16, 2025
“Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn. SpaceX is reviewing data from today’s flight test to understand the root cause and improve Starship’s reliability,” said SpaceX via X.
Rapid unscheduled disassemblies are common during rocket development, but SpaceX remains undeterred. The company continues to work fast, fly often, and incorporate lessons learned from test flights into the next build. Despite today’s setback, the successful Super Heavy booster “chopsticks” catch showcased SpaceX’s recovery strategy for both booster and Ship, marking the second successful catch after the first in October on Starship Flight 5.
