Ilona Mask SpaceX spacecraft announced the results of the March investigation with Starship missiles, when the step on the boom on the eighth test flight in March 2025. The report appeared on the official website of the business.
Data analysis shows that the accident on March 6 occurred due to equipment problems in one of the Raptor engines. This causes an uncontrolled fire in the lower part of the ship, resulting in the loss of the connection of three adjacent engines. Two minutes after losing communication, the system automatically destroyed the uncontrolled step.
Despite the accident, the mission was partly successful: the first step of super heavy for the first time performed the back control for the starting platform in Texas, where it was arrested by Mechazilla tower.
Yes, out of 13 engines, only 12 engines operate during the landing process – the issue related to the overheating of ignitioners.
SpaceX announced the ninth premiere to be planned on May 27. The upcoming launch will be the first use of the super heavy step after the flight in November 2023.