SpaceX Flies Reused Booster in Starship Test

SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight reached space using a reused Super Heavy booster for the first time, but ended in failure as the spacecraft lost control and disintegrated over the Indian Ocean after a main tank leak. Both the booster and the Starship upper stage experienced rapid unscheduled disassembly due to separate technical failures, including a stuck payload bay door that prevented the release of mock Starlink satellites. The test achieved a longer flight duration than prior attempts and gathered valuable data, but failed to meet key objectives such as controlled reentry and booster recovery. No injuries or damage to public property occurred, with debris landing in pre-cleared zones. Despite the setbacks, CEO Elon Musk described the test as an improvement and emphasized plans for a faster launch cadence. The flight highlights both the technical challenges and high ambitions as SpaceX works to make Starship central to future lunar and Mars missions.