The recent failure of the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has brought an end to the company’s streak of more than 300 successful launches. This malfunction, the first since 2016, occurred during an attempt to deploy Starlink internet satellites into orbit.
Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, took to X two hours after the launch to report that the rocket experienced a “R.U.D.” (rapid unscheduled disassembly) while in orbit. The team is currently analyzing data to determine the root cause of the failure.
Subsequent updates from SpaceX revealed that the failure was due to a liquid oxygen leak in the second stage, preventing the completion of a crucial engine burn necessary to position the 20 Starlink satellites in their designated orbit. Despite initial reports of the second stage “surviving” and successfully deploying the satellites, the extent of the damage sustained remains unclear.
SpaceX stated that the satellites will not be able to maintain their low orbit and are expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. However, the company assured that they do not pose a threat to other satellites or public safety.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with space exploration and satellite deployment. As SpaceX conducts further investigations into the root cause of the malfunction, the future of their Starlink internet satellite constellation remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
