SpaceX Starship loss control in second straight test flight failure

SpaceX’s eighth Starship test flight ended in failure Thursday as the spacecraft spiraled out of control in space, marking the second consecutive mission to encounter fatal issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded flights near Florida airports due to debris concerns and ordered SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation.

The launch initially appeared successful: the Super Heavy booster separated as planned, returned to SpaceX’s Texas launch site, and was caught by the tower. However, eight minutes into the flight, Starship lost multiple Raptor engines, triggering a loss of attitude control and communication. Social media footage later showed the vehicle breaking apart over the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.

This follows a similar failure in March, when a Starship test flight disintegrated over Turks & Caicos due to propellant leaks and fires. SpaceX claimed it addressed prior issues by upgrading fuel lines, adjusting propellant temperatures, and adding safety systems, but Thursday’s mishap underscores persistent challenges.

Despite setbacks, SpaceX continues its rapid-testing strategy, aiming to push Starship’s limits for eventual reusability and commercial missions. The company had planned to deploy dummy Starlink satellites during this flight, a milestone now delayed. With FAA scrutiny intensifying—amid Elon Musk’s controversial government efficiency initiatives—SpaceX faces mounting pressure to resolve technical flaws in its ambitious Mars-bound spacecraft.