STARBASE, Texas — SpaceX’s Super Heavy booster erupted in flames after splashing down offshore Friday when the company called off a planned catch at its Texas launch tower. Photographers documented the explosion during Starship’s 15th test flight. [1]
The upper-stage Starship spacecraft continued into orbit and deployed 26 Starlink satellites, according to Space.com’s coverage of the mission. [2]
The rocket lifted off from Starbase in South Texas at 4:47 p.m. Central time. SpaceX had planned to recover the booster shortly after launch, then attempt to catch the upper-stage spacecraft the following day. [2][3]
Instead, Super Heavy was diverted to the Gulf of Mexico and splashed down about 6½ minutes after liftoff. CBS News reported that the booster burst into flames following the water landing. [2][4]
SpaceX had not publicly identified the specific problem that caused the catch to be canceled, according to The Associated Press. [5]
A successful recovery would have marked the first catch of a Version 3 Super Heavy booster. SpaceX had caught earlier versions on three previous test flights. [2]
Starship consists of two stages: the Super Heavy booster, which powers the initial ascent, and the spacecraft that continues into space. SpaceX is developing both components for reuse, with tower catches intended to support their recovery and eventual reflight. [3]
The mission was designed to last more than 22 hours. The upper stage was scheduled to attempt its first return to Starbase on Saturday, November 14, provided its systems met the requirements for a safe approach and catch. [2][3]
SpaceX’s flight plan also included options to send the spacecraft to designated ocean splashdown areas if conditions prevented a safe return to the launch site. [3]
Sources
[1] News 4 San Antonio: Flight 15 photo gallery
[2] Space.com: Flight 15 launch report
[3] Space.com: Flight 15 mission plan
