SpaceX Starship Loses Contact During Test Flight

SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its seventh test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, successfully catching the Super Heavy booster back at the launchpad but losing communication with the spacecraft shortly after liftoff. The booster, equipped with upgrades, was gripped by mechanical arms, marking the second successful catch attempt. However, approximately eight and a half minutes into the flight, SpaceX lost contact with the Starship, which was intended to loop around the world and drop dummy satellites before a controlled descent into the Indian Ocean. The company confirmed that the spacecraft was destroyed due to engine failures and an anomaly during its ascent. This flight is part of SpaceX's ambitious plan to ramp up Starship testing, with hopes of supporting NASA's Artemis program to land astronauts on the moon by 2027. Analysts caution that while empty Starships may make it to the moon by the deadline, crewed flights face significant challenges.