Here we go ... or not. They did go into a hold at T-40 seconds.
They're working a late pressurization problem on the upper stage.
Nominal so far ...
Upper stage separation ... the first stage just blew up. Upper stage still going ...
The upper stage would have the passengers. If successful, this test version will belly flop into the Pacific Ocean ...
Starship still going at T+6 minutes ...
Starship engine shutdown just short of orbital velocity, awaiting status update ...
Awaiting acquisition of signal ...
Data lost from upper stage, Starship probably lost ...
Overall, a successful test. A successful test collects data to move forward. The first stage (Super Heavy) appears to have worked fine until after #Starship separation; it blew up as it began to attempt re-entry.
The #Starship upper stage (the crew vehicle) appears to have worked nominally until just before engine shut down and orbital velocity.
For a second test flight, a vast improvement over the April test.
@WordsmithFL
It will be interesting to find out the reason for the Starship termination.
@pendrag I was watching the velocity; orbital velocity is about 28,000 KPH and they were over 24,000, so it was close to shutdown. Usually an upper stage fails fairly quickly after engine ignition if something is wrong, so my strict speculation is maybe a software error. But I have a Poli Sci degree, so don't trust me.
@WordsmithFL
My thoughts are around the resulting negative G that would happen right at engine cutoff, if any extra fuel remained. I do not think there was any additional engine burns scheduled for Starship.
And I am not even close to being a rocket scientist. 😎
@pendrag @WordsmithFL I know a rocket scientist who married a brain surgeon. Really! They must know everything.
@WordsmithFL interesting. Still wouldn't want to ride in it.
@poemblaze Me neither. I've seen nothing to indicate it has a crew escape system.
@WordsmithFL Fast trip to the spiritual realm.
The rocket launched without an announcement ...