Video credit: VideoFromSpace via YouTube.
Starship Reaches Orbit but Faces Major Setbacks
The Starship’s ninth test flight began smoothly, successfully reaching orbit a significant achievement after previous test flights ended in early destruction. However, the mission soon encountered critical issues. The spacecraft was unable to fully open its payload bay door, preventing the planned release of simulated Starlink satellites.
Fuel Leak Leads to Loss of Control
About 30 minutes into the mission, SpaceX confirmed a fuel tank leak aboard Starship. This leak proved catastrophic, causing the upper-stage vehicle to lose attitude control and spiral uncontrollably before its scheduled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. The first-stage Super Heavy booster also exploded just before its planned splashdown.
SpaceX’s communications manager, Dan Huot, explained during the livestream, “This is also what led to that loss of attitude control. So at this point, we are kind of in a spin.”
 |
| SpaceX's next-generation Starship spacecraft - on top of its Super Heavy booster - is launched on its ninth test at the company's launchpad in Starbase, in Texas, US on May 27, 2025 | Image Credit: Al Jazeera Media Network |
Impact on Mission Objectives
Due to the loss of control, mission controllers had to cancel a planned demonstration to reignite one of Starship’s Raptor engines while in orbit. Despite the setback, Starship remained on course for re-entry, targeting a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. However, the uncontrolled spin raised serious concerns about the spacecraft’s heat shield surviving the descent.
“As we are not able to control the attitude of the ship as we get into entry, it will enter in whatever orientation it is in at the time, which does not bode well for the ship’s heat shield,” Huot noted. “Our chances of making it all the way down are pretty slim.”
SpaceX’s Commitment to Progress
In a statement posted on X, SpaceX emphasized the value of learning from each test:
“As if the flight test was not exciting enough, Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly. Teams will continue to review data and work toward our next flight test. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve Starship’s reliability as SpaceX seeks to make life multiplanetary.”
Looking Ahead
While the ninth test flight ended with dramatic setbacks, each mission brings SpaceX closer to its goal of making space travel safer and more reliable. The lessons learned from this flight will play a crucial role in refining Starship’s design and performance, keeping the dream of multiplanetary life alive.
Also read : SpaceX Starship Flight 9: Pushing the Boundaries of Space Exploration in 2025