Core Viewpoint - The recent test flight of SpaceX's "Starship" ended in failure, with the first stage booster experiencing an explosion and the second stage spacecraft losing control, leading to an unplanned disintegration during re-entry [1][2][5]. Group 1: Test Flight Details - The ninth test flight of "Starship" took place on March 28, with the first stage booster losing contact during descent and presumed to have crashed into the ocean instead of performing a controlled splashdown [1]. - Approximately half an hour after launch, SpaceX reported a loss of attitude control of the "Starship," resulting in the spacecraft flipping and undergoing an unplanned disintegration during its return to Earth [2]. Group 2: Previous Test Flight Outcomes - The eighth test flight of "Starship" also ended in failure, with the second stage spacecraft experiencing a rapid unexpected disintegration due to an "energy event" that caused multiple Raptor engines to fail [5]. - Following the eighth flight, SpaceX coordinated with the FAA and other safety agencies to implement emergency response measures, confirming that debris fell into a designated area without toxic substances, minimizing environmental impact [5]. Group 3: Future Plans and Developments - Elon Musk announced plans for the "Starship" to carry Tesla's humanoid robot "Optimus" to Mars by the end of 2026, with the earliest crewed Mars mission potentially occurring in 2029, though 2031 is considered more likely [6]. - The "Starship" rocket, measuring approximately 120 meters in length and 9 meters in diameter, consists of two reusable stages designed to transport people and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars [6].

Core Viewpoint - Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket experienced a failure during its first flight test, marking a significant moment for Europe's emerging private space industry, but highlighting the challenges it faces compared to established players like SpaceX and Blue Origin [1][6][21] Group 1: Launch Details - The Spectrum rocket's first flight test took place on March 30 in Andøya, Norway, and it was the first orbital launch attempt by a European company [1] - The rocket lost control shortly after takeoff, leading to engine shutdown and subsequent crash, although no damage occurred to the launch pad [4][6] Group 2: Technical Specifications - Spectrum is a small launch vehicle, measuring 28 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter, capable of delivering 1 ton of payload to orbit, which is below the capacity of many competitors [8] - The rocket utilizes a unique liquid oxygen and propane fuel combination, which has advantages in weight reduction but also poses risks of leakage and explosion [9][11] - The design features nine engines in parallel on the first stage, a configuration that is currently the only practical method for rocket recovery [11][15] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Compared to major players like SpaceX and Blue Origin, Spectrum's payload capacity is significantly lower, and it faces stiff competition from Chinese companies with more advanced products [8][20] - The potential for rocket reuse is limited for small rockets like Spectrum, as the operational costs may outweigh the benefits due to significant payload capacity reductions [18][20] Group 4: Future Prospects - Despite the failure, there is optimism in Europe regarding the development of new space technologies, with investors like Airbus and Porsche backing Isar Aerospace [21] - The success or failure of the Spectrum rocket could influence the future of European commercial space endeavors and its ability to compete with U.S. and Chinese firms [21]

星舰第四次发射成功返回，我们重发这篇文章。 文丨 贺乾明 李梓楠 编辑丨黄俊杰 美国东部时间 6 月 6 日，SpaceX 第四次发射星舰（Starship）太空船。飞船进入轨道，并重返大 气层，按计划落入印度洋海域。 商业公司以相对低成本提供媲美登月火箭的运载能力，是商业太空探索的一次大跨越。SpaceX 计划 在后续的测试飞行中尝试平稳回收利用发射火箭，进一步降低成本。装载新发动机的第二代星舰也 在准备中。 今年 3 月，星舰首次成功进入近地轨道后坠毁， 我们发文 介绍了 SpaceX 如何建立新的研发、生产 体系，支持星舰的诞生。现在我们根据最新进展调整部分内容，重发这篇文章。 2011 年夏天，美国国会和美国宇航局（NASA）共同宣布了一个宏伟的计划：投入 180 亿美元，开 发前所未有的巨型火箭和新飞船，重整载人航天，也为之后登陆火星做准备。 这是一个理所当然的 "举国体制" 项目。国会拨巨资、政府机构（NASA）设目标，让合作几十年的 军工巨头们推进。 几个月后，NASA 从庞大的预算里拨了个零头（不到 3 亿美元）给 SpaceX、蓝色起源等四家商业公 司，让他们尝试做出能自负盈亏的载人飞船。分 ...