SpaceX Says Starship Self-Destructed Due to Propellant Leaks, Fires, and a Comms Blackout

SpaceX revealed Monday that last month’s Starship explosion resulted from a chain reaction triggered by propellant leaks—a problem the company claims to have resolved ahead of a potential eighth test flight as early as Friday.

The company is still awaiting FAA approval, either through the official closure of the “mishap investigation” or special authorization to proceed while the review continues.

This marks the first time SpaceX has faced a mishap investigation while CEO Elon Musk is involved in U.S. government operations, with his Department of Government Efficiency reportedly making changes at the FAA. The agency has yet to comment.

Successful Launch and Booster Recovery

Starship’s January test initially went as planned. SpaceX aimed to evaluate upgrades to the Super Heavy booster, launch-and-catch tower, and Starship itself. The rocket launched successfully, with the booster separating and returning to Texas, where it was caught by the tower.

Issues emerged about two minutes after Starship ignited its own engines. SpaceX reported in a blog post that a flash was observed near one of the Raptor vacuum engines, followed by rising pressure readings—signs of a propellant leak.

Two minutes later, another flash appeared, and sustained fires broke out, causing all but one of Starship’s engines to shut down in a controlled sequence. The fires eventually led to a communications blackout.

Cause of Failure and Self-Destruction

SpaceX believes the leaks stemmed from unexpected vibrations that placed excessive stress on the propulsion system’s hardware. The automatic in-flight abort system ultimately triggered Starship’s self-destruction after the fires and loss of communication.

The explosion created a dramatic spectacle over the Turks and Caicos Islands and prompted the FAA to reroute several flights as a safety precaution. SpaceX maintains that all Starship debris landed within the designated Debris Response Area, a safety zone pre-approved with government agencies before launch. However, residents have shared photos of debris washing up on beaches, and at least one vehicle sustained minor damage after being struck.

In response, SpaceX has modified the fuel lines supplying Starship’s engines, adjusted the propellant’s temperature, and introduced additional vents along with a new purge system to strengthen the aft section against potential leaks.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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