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SpaceX launched Starship’s 15th test flight, but its booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.
Starship launched from Starbase, Texas, and continued toward orbit after the Super Heavy booster diverted from its planned return. SpaceX planned to attempt to bring the upper stage back to the launch pad on Saturday, subject to checks during its flight.
What the reports agree on
- Starship’s 15th test flight launched from Starbase, Texas, on Friday. CBS News, Guardian World, PBS NewsHour, Ars Technica
- The Super Heavy booster diverted from its planned return and splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico. CBS News, Guardian World, PBS NewsHour, Ars Technica
- Starship continued into space after the booster diverted. CBS News, Guardian World, PBS NewsHour, Ars Technica
- SpaceX planned a return attempt for the upper stage on Saturday. CBS News, PBS NewsHour, Ars Technica
Where reports differ
- CBS News attributed the booster’s diversion to a technical problem. CBS News
- Guardian World reported that the cause of the booster’s diversion was unknown. Guardian World
- PBS NewsHour said an automatic abort prevented the booster from returning to the launch pad. PBS NewsHour
Reported by one outlet
- Ars Technica reported that Starship deployed all 26 Starlink V3 satellites about 40 minutes into the flight. Ars Technica
- CBS News reported that the booster burst into flames after residual propellants ignited. CBS News
- BBC World reported that the Starship is 124 meters tall. BBC World
The original reports
- CBS News SpaceX launches huge Starship rocket on 15th test flight
- Ars Technica Starship flight 15 powers to orbit—setting up a possible catch on Saturday
- 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
- Ars Technica Rocket Report: Starship set for historic test flight; a century of Electron