SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded in a fireball as it splashed down in the ocean after the company cut the mission short, according to multiple outlets.
The flight had been planned to last around 10 hours, but SpaceX announced it was ending after approximately 90 minutes, according to BBC News.
The New York Post described the flight as the rocket's first successful journey into orbit around Earth, reporting that the splashdown occurred in the Pacific Ocean on Monday.
Footage circulated showing the moment of the fiery splashdown, which outlets across the political spectrum covered similarly, focusing on the visual spectacle of the explosion.
How each side covered it
Center
- BBC News and BBC Sport both highlighted video of the splashdown ending in a fireball.
- BBC News reported the mission was supposed to last 10 hours but ended after about 90 minutes.
- Sky News described the rocket exploding in the ocean after splashing down early.
“Moment SpaceX rocket explodes in ocean after splashing down early” — Sky News
Right
- The New York Post reported the flight as Starship's first successful orbital trip around Earth.
- The outlet described the rocket erupting into flames while splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on Monday.
- The Post noted the flight was cut short despite being deemed a success.
“SpaceX Starship splashes down in spectacular fireball after cutting short orbital flight around Earth” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened to SpaceX's Starship rocket?
SpaceX's Starship rocket splashed down in a fireball in the ocean after the company ended the mission early, cutting short a flight that was originally planned to last about 10 hours.
How long did the Starship flight last?
According to BBC News, SpaceX announced the mission was ending after roughly 90 minutes, well short of the planned 10-hour flight.
Where did the splashdown occur?
The New York Post reported the splashdown happened in the Pacific Ocean on Monday.
Was this Starship's first successful orbital flight?
The New York Post described the flight as Starship's first successful flight into orbit around Earth, though this detail was not confirmed by other supplied sources.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- BBC NewsCenterWatch: Starship splashdown ends in fireball
- BBC SportCenterWatch: Starship splashdown ends in fireball
- NewsNationCenterStarship 14 ends 1st orbit with fiery splashdown
- Sky NewsCenterAnalysis: Faulty engine and explosive splashdown - but it's no setback for SpaceX
- Fox BusinessRight-leaningSpaceX's Starship splashes down in fiery ocean landing
- New York PostRight-leaningSpaceX Starship splashes down in spectacular fireball after cutting short orbital flight around Earth