Startup Strings
The launch took place from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in southern Texas. Flight 4 followed a suborbital trajectory, similar to the previous three launches. Notably, there was no payload onboard.
Both the Super Heavy Booster (Booster 11) and the Starship upper stage (Ship 29) successfully splashed down. This achievement brings SpaceX closer to its goal of creating a mostly reusable rocket.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder, emphasized the mission’s primary goal: to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere during reentry. Despite the loss of some tiles and a damaged flap, the reentry was celebrated as a success.
During Flight 3, the upper stage experienced uncontrollable rolling, preventing a relight of one of its Raptor engines. However, the rocket’s connection to the Starlink satellite internet network allowed high-definition camera views of reentry.
SpaceX identified clogged valves as the likely cause of the unplanned roll. Upcoming Starships will feature additional roll control thrusters to enhance attitude control redundancy.
The Super Heavy Booster from the previous flight encountered an early boostback burn shutdown due to filter blockage. Future boosters will receive hardware upgrades to improve propellant filtration.
Elon Musk hinted at Flight 5’s goal: catching the Super Heavy Booster using the launch tower’s “chopsticks.”