The most powerful rocket ever built has officially launched.
With the test flight of SpaceX’s unmanned starship on on Thursday from Boca Chica, Texas, scientists have moved one small, but vastly important step closer to a new space age.
The starship took off after a few delays, reached maximum dynamic pressure and lasted about four minutes before exploding at the end of its Stage 1 burn. At that point the unmanned spaceship was attempting to separate from the booster and ignite second stage engines. It would’ve been a smashing success if accomplished.
Overall, this was a massive win for SpaceX and its engineers. The fact that starship made it off the launch pad is an achievement years in the making. You can read more about all the impressive specs and stats in this wonderful breakdown from USA Today here.
But that’s not what this post is for. We’re here to watch the best clips of the big rocket going boom.
Liftoff of Starship! pic.twitter.com/4t8mRP37Gp
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 20, 2023
SpaceX workers at Hawthorne seemed pretty happy after Starship’s maiden flight! pic.twitter.com/PiJYjFTmFa
— Primal Space (@thePrimalSpace) April 20, 2023
Seeing Starship Super Heavy clear the pad is MAJESTIC! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2bwGihDHzx
— Everything SpaceX (@spacex360) April 20, 2023
The most powerful rocket ever developed just launched! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/RlMCpFBo9j
— Everything Space (@totalspace360) April 20, 2023
The most powerful rocket ever developed experienced a rapid unscheduled assembly! 💥 pic.twitter.com/Cei9Q3RfqF
— Everything Space (@totalspace360) April 20, 2023
Starship Super Heavy Raptor engines firing! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/stM2hCTudG
— Primal Space (@thePrimalSpace) April 20, 2023
Starship Super Heavy has reached Max Q! pic.twitter.com/Yfckdd4Vgt
— Primal Space (@thePrimalSpace) April 20, 2023
My Autotrack software captures the moment that Starship lost control. Excitement was very much guaranteed. Great first attempt by the SpaceX team!
Tune in to hear our live reaction! @NASASpaceflight https://t.co/uutBwWSABz pic.twitter.com/in201JaOiU
— Michael Baylor (@nextspaceflight) April 20, 2023
Wallpaper fodder
–@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/19LFFsz94W
— Nic Ansuini (@NicAnsuini) April 20, 2023
ONBOARD VIEW FROM STARSHIP! #StarshipLaunch pic.twitter.com/9UhYPtiTUV
— Dr. Tanya Harrison (@tanyaofmars) April 20, 2023
They've lost it, going for a spin, but hey, got away from the pad and had some great first stage!https://t.co/npUj2AHByW pic.twitter.com/KbvlbhjYR9
— Chris Bergin – NSF (@NASASpaceflight) April 20, 2023
As if the flight test was not exciting enough, Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly before stage separation
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 20, 2023
Welp, “Excitement Guaranteed”
–@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/EWMPoR532y
— Nic Ansuini (@NicAnsuini) April 20, 2023
