📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Lars Plougmann from United States
Technology
SpaceX Aborts Starship Booster Recovery Over Technical Glitch
✍️ NDTV Top
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 06:47 AM
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SpaceX aborted the planned first‑ever recovery of the Starship booster and spacecraft after a technical issue emerged during the Friday launch.
SpaceX launched its Starship rocket from the Boca Chica launch site on Friday, aiming to test the world’s largest and most powerful launch vehicle. The mission was scheduled to include the first‑ever recovery of both the booster and the spacecraft, a milestone that would demonstrate the vehicle’s reusability. However, the recovery plan was aborted when a technical issue was detected during the flight.
According to SpaceX officials, the anomaly involved a sensor reading that fell outside acceptable parameters, prompting the company to prioritize safety and cancel the catch attempt. The booster was allowed to burn up in the atmosphere, while the spacecraft remained in orbit for a brief period before re‑entering.
The setback delays SpaceX’s timeline for fully reusable Starship operations, but the company remains committed to refining the system. Engineers will investigate the fault and prepare for the next test flight, which is expected to resume later in the year.
According to SpaceX officials, the anomaly involved a sensor reading that fell outside acceptable parameters, prompting the company to prioritize safety and cancel the catch attempt. The booster was allowed to burn up in the atmosphere, while the spacecraft remained in orbit for a brief period before re‑entering.
The setback delays SpaceX’s timeline for fully reusable Starship operations, but the company remains committed to refining the system. Engineers will investigate the fault and prepare for the next test flight, which is expected to resume later in the year.