SpaceX’s Starship splashes down in Pacific after early return to Earth

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft has splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after completing its first orbital flight around Earth, although the mission ended earlier than planned.

The spacecraft spent about three hours in orbit before returning to Earth on Monday, September 28, instead of completing the planned 10-hour mission.

The flight marked a significant milestone for SpaceX, as Starship successfully reached Earth’s orbit for the first time. The spacecraft completed two laps of the planet before the company decided to bring it back early.

The mission also successfully deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites into low Earth orbit. SpaceX said the new satellites would significantly increase the capacity and user speeds of its existing broadband network.

The satellites were released from the Starship and are designed to establish connections with the ground and other satellites through radio and laser links.

However, the flight was not without difficulties.

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Before Starship entered orbit, engineers faced an issue involving one of the spacecraft’s six engines. The problem prompted discussions over whether the mission should proceed, but the team eventually gave the spacecraft clearance to continue into orbit.

SpaceX later decided to shorten the mission, reducing the planned six orbits to two. The company has not yet explained why the flight was terminated early.

The spacecraft subsequently began its return journey, performing a de-orbit burn before entering Earth’s atmosphere.

Starship eventually splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, but the landing was accompanied by a large fireball. The spacecraft was later seen floating on its side in the ocean.

The booster, meanwhile, completed its own landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Unlike some previous Starship tests, neither the booster nor the spacecraft is expected to be recovered for reuse from this mission. SpaceX has previously demonstrated its ability to catch returning boosters using giant mechanical arms, but the Starship spacecraft landed in the Pacific and appeared to have suffered significant damage during the splashdown.

Despite the shortened mission, BBC science reporter Georgina Rannard said SpaceX was likely to be pleased with the outcome because the main objective of reaching orbit had been achieved.

The mission is the 14th launch of SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which the company describes as the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. SpaceX intends to make Starship reusable and eventually use it to transport crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon.

(BBC)