Overview

• SpaceX launched its 123-meter Starship from Starbase, Texas, on May 27 for the ninth uncrewed test flight.
• For the first time, the mission flew atop a previously used Super Heavy booster that separated and achieved its planned engine cutoff.
• A malfunctioning payload door prevented the deployment of eight mock Starlink satellites as intended.
• Leaks in the spacecraft’s tanks led to a loss of attitude control and a rapid unscheduled disassembly during re-entry over the Indian Ocean.
• Elon Musk hailed the engine performance as a significant improvement and indicated plans to ramp up Starship launches to every three to four weeks.