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SpaceX launched Starship on its 15th test flight, but its booster diverted into the Gulf of Mexico.
Starship launched from SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas and continued toward orbit after the Super Heavy booster failed to return as planned. SpaceX planned to try to return the Starship upper stage to the launch pad on Saturday.
What the reports agree on
- The launch took place at SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas. CBS News, Guardian World, BBC World, PBS NewsHour
- The Super Heavy booster diverted from its planned return and ended up in the Gulf of Mexico or the sea. CBS News, Guardian World, PBS NewsHour
- Starship continued through space after the booster’s diversion. CBS News, Guardian World, PBS NewsHour
- SpaceX planned for the Starship upper stage to attempt a return to the launch pad on Saturday. CBS News, PBS NewsHour
- The mission plan included deploying 26 Starlink satellites. CBS News, BBC World
- The mission plan called for Starship to complete 14 orbits. Guardian World, BBC World
Where reports differ
- CBS News reported that a technical problem led controllers to divert the booster; PBS NewsHour said an automatic abort stopped it from returning to the pad. Guardian World said the cause was unknown. CBS News
Reported by one outlet
- CBS News reported that the booster burst into flames after residual propellants ignited. CBS News
- Guardian World reported that the booster had 33 Raptor engines. Guardian World
- BBC World reported that the launch window was scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. local time. BBC World
- PBS NewsHour reported that the flight marked Starship’s first planned return to the pad from orbit. PBS NewsHour
The original reports
- PBS NewsHour SpaceX's Starship soars into orbit after booster malfunction thwarts double catch attempt
- Guardian World SpaceX Starship megarocket blasts off before expected return for reuse
- CBS News SpaceX launches first-of-its-kind Starship test flight
- BBC World SpaceX to attempt double catch of huge Starship rocket