SpaceX’s Starship Launch Culminates in Unexpected RUD: An Onsite Report from Boca Chica

In an event that captivated space enthusiasts worldwide, SpaceX’s latest Starship vehicle, hailed as the most powerful rocket ever manufactured, encountered an unexpected conclusion in its test flight early this morning. The day began with an air of excitement and anticipation as crowds gathered at Boca Chica, Texas, with the closure of Boca Chica Blvd. at midnight.

SpaceX’s Starship Had a Spectacular Liftoff, But Then …

Starship launches
Starship OFT -2 Launces from Space X’s Starbase in Boca Chica, TX at 7:02 AM This morning. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

SpaceX’s new Starship Superheavy launch vehicle experienced it’s second Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly (RUD) in as many test flights Saturday morning. (That’s space geek talk for “it blew up”).

BREAKING NEWS: SpaceX Given a “Go” by the FAA For Friday Morning Starship Launch Attempt

Starship on the pad
Starship 25 sits on the pad at Starbase, Boca Chica, TX awaiting its test flight, scheduled for Friday, November 17th. Photo by : Richard Gallagher/FMN

The FAA announced on Twitter at 4:15 ET today that it has granted a launch license to SpaceX for the second orbital launch attempt of the Starship SuperHeavy rocket.