SpaceX conducted its seventh test flight of the Starship launch system on January 17, 2025, achieving a significant milestone with the successful recovery of the Super Heavy booster using the launch tower's mechanical arms. This marked the second successful catch of the booster, known as 'Mechazilla.'
However, the upper stage, designated Ship 33, experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during ascent, leading to its loss approximately seven minutes post-launch. SpaceX attributed the anomaly to an oxygen/fuel leak, prompting an investigation into the incident.
Launched from Boca Chica, Texas, at 4:37 PM local time, the upgraded Starship stands at 403 feet (123 meters) tall and is pivotal for SpaceX's Mars colonization plans and NASA's Artemis lunar missions. The test aimed to deploy 10 Starlink satellite simulators, although this objective was not met due to the upper stage failure.
In parallel developments, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbital space for the first time, intensifying competition in the commercial launch sector. SpaceX, which has dominated orbital launches with its Falcon 9 rocket, may face increased pressure as Blue Origin aims to expand its market share.
Despite setbacks, SpaceX's rapid iteration on Starship design reflects its 'fail fast, learn fast' philosophy, with plans for increased test frequency in the coming year. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently reviewing the test's environmental and regulatory implications.