Last-minute problems with SpaceX's mega rocket Starship forces delay of latest test flight
by Marcia Dunn
SpaceX's mega rocket Starship sits on the pad after it's test flight from Starbase was scrubbed in Boca Chica, Texas, Monday, March 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay
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SpaceX's mega rocket Starship sits on the pad after it's test flight from Starbase was scrubbed in Boca Chica, Texas, Monday, March 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay
Last-minute problems forced a launch delay Monday for SpaceX's mega rocket Starship, attempting a comeback following an explosion on the last test flight.
The countdown got down to the 40-second mark, but it was halted because of issues with the 403-foot (123-meter) rocket, the world's largest and most powerful.
Starship was supposed to blast off from the southern tip of Texas with four mock satellites on board for a space-skimming test flight. If the problems can be fixed quickly, another launch attempt could come Tuesday, according to SpaceX.
The last Starship demo ended in an explosion over the Atlantic in January, with flaming debris streaming over the Turks and Caicos.
Starship has already been booked by NASA for astronaut moon landings later this decade. SpaceX's Elon Musk intends to use the mammoth rockets to settle Mars.
Visitor pack up after the SpaceX mega rocket Starship test flight from Starbase was scrubbed in Boca Chica, Texas, Monday, March 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay
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Visitor pack up after the SpaceX mega rocket Starship test flight from Starbase was scrubbed in Boca Chica, Texas, Monday, March 3, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay
SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is prepared for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay
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SpaceX's mega rocket Starship is prepared for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay
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SpaceX's Starship launch was delayed due to last-minute issues, halting the countdown at 40 seconds. The 403-foot rocket, the largest and most powerful globally, was set for a test flight with four mock satellites. A previous test ended in an explosion. Starship is planned for NASA moon missions and future Mars settlements. A new launch attempt may occur soon if issues are resolved.
This summary was automatically generated using LLM.