Core Viewpoint - The ninth flight test of SpaceX's Starship ended in failure, marking the third consecutive failure for the 2025 launch schedule, despite Elon Musk's belief that significant progress was made during the test [12][13]. Group 1: Flight Test Overview - The test initially proceeded smoothly with successful ignition and ascent, reaching space without damage, leading to celebrations among SpaceX employees [2]. - However, issues arose during satellite deployment when the hatch failed to open, the cause of which remains unclear [4]. - The Starship lost control in orbit, resulting in severe tumbling and ultimately losing signal at an altitude of 59.3 kilometers [9][11]. Group 2: Key Events During the Test - The test successfully demonstrated the reuse of the Super Heavy booster, designated B14-2, which had previously completed a launch and recovery [15]. - All 33 Raptor engines of the booster ignited successfully, and the booster completed a planned separation from the second stage [17][28]. - The second stage was tasked with multiple objectives, including verifying improvements made since previous failures and advancing system maturity [30]. Group 3: Technical Challenges - The test aimed to assess a new thermal protection system during re-entry, with approximately 100 critical heat shield tiles removed to test limits [32]. - The hatch malfunctioned again during the satellite deployment phase, failing to open completely, which had caused failures in previous tests [34][35]. - After a period of lost telemetry, the spacecraft was confirmed to have experienced rapid unplanned disintegration, concluding the test unsuccessfully [45].
马斯克星舰第九次试飞失败,为测试极限拆除100块隔热瓦,返航途中燃烧解体
量子位·2025-05-28 02:23