SpaceX Starship Flight 7: Successes and Challenges
SpaceX launched its Starship megarocket for the seventh time on January 16, 2025, marking another step forward in its mission to revolutionise space exploration. The 403.5-foot (123-metre) reusable rocket lifted off from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas at 5:37 p.m. EST (2237 GMT).
While the test flight showcased remarkable achievements, it also faced significant setbacks, leaving a mix of excitement and questions for SpaceX to address.
Successful Booster Catch with “Chopstick” Arms
One of the primary objectives of the flight was to demonstrate the recovery of the Super Heavy booster. Using its “chopstick” arms, SpaceX successfully caught the booster at the launch tower just seven minutes after liftoff.
This marks the second successful tower catch for the booster, a process first achieved during Flight 5 in October 2024. The ability to recover the booster so quickly is a key component of SpaceX’s reusable rocket system, aimed at saving time and costs for future missions.
Challenges with the Starship Upper Stage
The flight did not proceed entirely as planned. About 8.5 minutes into the flight, SpaceX lost contact with Starship’s upper stage, referred to as Ship. Dan Huot from SpaceX’s communications team revealed that multiple engine failures occurred during the ascent burn, leading to the loss of the vehicle.
Ship was designed to complete a suborbital journey, culminating in a splashdown in the Indian Ocean off Australia’s west coast. Unfortunately, the anomaly prevented the vehicle from reaching this milestone.
Planned Satellite Deployment
Another objective of Flight 7 was to deploy ten mock satellites, mimicking the next-generation Starlink broadband spacecraft. This deployment was scheduled for 17.5 minutes after launch but could not proceed due to the upper stage failure.
These mock satellites were intended to simulate operations critical to SpaceX’s Starlink programme, which already consists of nearly 7,000 active satellites. The company envisions deploying over 40,000 satellites in the future, with Starship as the primary vehicle for these missions.
Upgrades and Modifications
The Ship used in this test flight featured several upgrades:
- Smaller forward flaps: Redesigned to minimise heat exposure during re-entry.
- Enhanced propulsion system: With a 25% increase in propellant volume, vacuum-jacketed feedlines, and a new fuel feed system for Raptor engines.
- Improved avionics module: For better control and performance during extended missions.
These upgrades added 6.5 feet to the vehicle’s overall length, enhancing its capability for long-duration flights.
Aiming for a Transformational Year
SpaceX has ambitious plans for Starship in 2025. The company aims to refine the full system’s reusability and conduct increasingly complex missions. This includes using Starship for crewed flights to the moon and eventually Mars.
Despite the challenges of Flight 7, the success of the Super Heavy booster catch and the upgrades to the Ship underscore SpaceX’s commitment to innovation. As the company continues to iterate on its designs, Starship remains poised to play a pivotal role in the future of human space exploration.
