SpaceX Faces Engine Failure During Starlink Satellite Launch

(Source – Space.com)

Launch and Failure Incident

On Thursday, SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink internet satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, however, encountered a critical issue when the rocket’s second-stage engine experienced a catastrophic failure during a final burn intended to raise the orbit’s low point. Elon Musk, SpaceX founder, shared details about the anomaly on the social media platform X early Friday, referring to the incident as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” (RUD).

Musk explained, “Upper stage restart to raise perigee resulted in an engine RUD for reasons currently unknown. The team is reviewing data tonight to understand the root cause. Starlink satellites were deployed, but the perigee (orbital low point) may be too low for them to raise orbit. We will know more in a few hours.” The term RUD, used humorously, highlights the unexpected nature of the engine failure during Starlink satellite launch.

Satellite Deployment and Immediate Aftermath

Following the incident, SpaceX confirmed that flight controllers managed to contact five out of the 20 Starlink satellites launched and were attempting to raise their orbit using ion thrusters. Musk noted that the team was working on updating the satellite software to enhance the performance of the ion thrusters, although he admitted that success was uncertain. “The satellite thrusters need to raise orbit faster than atmospheric drag pulls them down or they burn up,” Musk stated.

The malfunction poses potential risks for upcoming missions, including the planned launch of entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and three crewmates at the end of the month, which is to feature the first spacewalks by non-government astronauts. Additionally, NASA’s schedule to launch a new crew to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in mid-August might be affected.

Despite the setback, SpaceX’s robust flight rate and ability to launch its payloads—like the Starlink satellite launched—could allow the company to recover swiftly. However, the impact of the engine failure on future missions remains uncertain.

Details of the Launch and Historical Context

The Falcon 9 rocket, making its 19th flight with its first stage, lifted off from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 10:35 p.m. EDT. The rocket ascended through thick fog on a southerly trajectory. After two and a half minutes, the first stage separated and successfully landed on a droneship, while the second stage continued its ascent into space. Starlink satellite launches typically require two firings of the second stage’s vacuum-rated Merlin engine, with the first firing concluding on schedule about eight-and-a-half minutes after liftoff.

Live video from onboard cameras provided dramatic views of the initial second stage burn, showing the engine’s nozzle glowing bright red against the backdrop of space. The footage also revealed significant ice build-ups on the rocket’s side, an unusual occurrence that may indicate a problem. Despite this, live video and commentary ended after confirmation of the second stage engine shutdown, approximately eight minutes and 40 seconds post-liftoff, in line with SpaceX policy for Starlink missions.

Historically, the Falcon 9 is one of the most reliable rockets globally, with Thursday’s launch marking SpaceX’s 69th Falcon 9 flight this year and the 354th since its debut in 2010. Prior to this launch, SpaceX had successfully completed 344 consecutive Falcon 9 flights following its only previous in-flight failure in 2015. The company had launched 6,720 Starlink satellites in 181 Falcon 9 flights, with around 6,200 operational, according to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell. While losing a batch of Starlink satellites is not a major setback for SpaceX, it does interrupt the company’s rapid launch sequence. Company officials had expressed hopes of exceeding 140 flights this year.