Starship Archives

FAA Grounds Starship Flights…Again

By Mark Stone FMN March 15, 2024Space News, SpaceX, Starship

Starship IFT-3 ,surrounded by hot plasma during reentry just prior to loss of communications on March 14, 2024 Screenshot: SpaceX

It probably will come as no surprise to anyone that SpaceX’s Starship program is once again grounded pending another mishap investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it has initiated its third mishap investigation into the Starship program following an anomaly during its latest orbital test flight, IFT-3, on March 14, 2024. This inquiry marks yet another pause in the testing of the huge rocket, which reigns as the largest and most powerful rocket in history.

Despite Vehicle Loss, IFT-3 Checked A Lot Of Boxes for SpaceX

By Mark Stone FMN March 14, 2024Space News, SpaceX, Starship

Starship OFT Launches From Boca Chica on March 14, 2202 — Starship OFT 3 launches on March 14, 2024. Photo: Richard Gallagher/FMN

SpaceX successfully launched the third Integrated Flight Test (IFT) of a Starship this morning from the company’s Starbase test facility in Boca Chica, TX. With the launch, IFT-3 became the first Starship mission to reach orbit. Hopes ran high for the test mission as the countdown to the 8:25 AM CDT launch proceeded flawlessly with no holds.

Powering the World’s Most Powerful Rocket: A Look at the Raptor Engine.

By Richard Gallagher FMN December 18, 2023Aviation and Space News, Space News, SpaceX, Starship

What does the “most powerful rocket in the world” even mean?

SpaceX’s Starship IFT-3: HLS Paving the Way for Lunar Exploration

By Richard Gallagher FMN December 14, 2023Space News, SpaceX, Starship, Video

Starship IFT-2 Flight Test — IFT-2 Launches from Starbase in Boca Chica, TX on November 18th, 2023. Photo: Richard Gallagher / FMN

SpaceX’s Starship represents an unpresented leap in space transportation technology. Starship flight tests have been characterized by rapid iteration and ambitious testing schedules.

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

By Chris Leymarie FMN November 19, 2023Aviation and Space News, Space News, SpaceX, Starship

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.