As SpaceX gears up for its next Starship flight test, insights reveal that the failure of the previous test stemmed from a 'harmonic response' issue affecting the propulsion system. While the Super Heavy booster had a successful return and capture by the launch tower, the Starship experienced catastrophic failure after separation. Notably, pressure rises and subsequent fires occurred in an unpressurized attic section after an initial flash from one of the Raptor engines, leading to the loss of the vehicle. The failure analysis indicates that vibrations during flight escalated stress beyond previous tests' levels, resulting in leaks and fires.
"The return of the Super Heavy booster was a near total success, even though the boostback burn didn't go as planned due to an engine aborting on startup."
"The most probable root cause for the test's premature end was a 'harmonic response' several times stronger in flight than had been seen in previous testing."
Collection
[
|
...
]