Subscribe Sign In

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.

https://www.wsj.com/business/spacex-launch-starship-rocket-56105c3e

SpaceX Rocket Test Reaches Milestone—and Ends With Explosion

Elon Musk’s deep-space rocket achieved separation before contact with the spacecraft was lost

By

Micah Maidenberg

Updated Nov. 18, 2023 1:46 pm ET

Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched a test flight of its Starship rocket early Saturday from its spaceport in Texas, reaching a crucial booster separation stage before exploding. A previous launch attempt in April ended in an explosion. Photo: Eric Gay/Associated Press

SpaceX’s second test flight of its massive Starship rocket ended early Saturday when the uncrewed vehicle’s spacecraft blew up, though the launch made it farther than the company’s previous attempt.

SpaceX said it lost contact with the Starship spacecraft about 15 minutes after launching from the company’s spaceport east of Brownsville, Texas, around 8 a.m. ET. A self-destruct mechanism appeared to trigger after contact was lost, exploding the craft, according to a SpaceX livestream.

Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Continue reading your article with
a WSJ subscription

Already a subscriber? Sign In

What to Read Next

Sponsored Offers

Michael Kors:
Michael Kors Promo Code 25% off
JCPenney:
Extra 10% Off your Order with JCPenney Coupon
Target:
Take 20% Off Your Entire Order - Target promo Code
T.J. Maxx:
10% Off TJ Maxx Coupon - Rewards Credit Card
Best Buy:
Save $1000 discount on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max - Best Buy coupon
Macy's:
Macy's coupon code - get 25% off for your next order*