Introduction

SpaceX's latest test flight of its revolutionary Starship rocket didn't just break records; it also came alarmingly close to disaster. On October 13, during what was dubbed the fifth test of the Starship megarocket, the first-stage booster known as Super Heavy experienced a heart-stopping moment as it approached its dramatic landing beside its launch tower equipped with the innovative 'chopstick' arms.

The Near Miss with the Abort Sequence

In an incredible twist of fate, SpaceX engineers revealed that the Super Heavy booster was just ONE SECOND away from triggering an abort sequence that could have sent it crashing to the ground instead of executing a flawless landing. This staggering information came directly from a recent conversation with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Musk's Revelation on Social Media

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on October 25, Musk provided a glimpse into a discussion he had with three unnamed engineers while playing the popular online game Diablo IV. During their chat, Musk was informed that the rocket's abort system nearly malfunctioned due to a misconfigured spin gas abort, which risked telling the rocket to abort its mission just moments before the catch.

Pressure on Engineers

The engineers elaborated on the potential misstep, discussing how a delay in the launch could have allowed them more time to verify their systems. 'If we delay one day, we would check things some more,' one engineer noted, showcasing the constant pressure on SpaceX teams to balance innovation speed with safety protocols.

Unexpected Damage during Descent

Not only did engineers face a significant abort risk, but they also acknowledged the unforeseen damage to Super Heavy during the test flight. A protective cover, known as a chine cover, was dislodged during descent—an event that could have jeopardized the landing at the tower. While this cover was torn free above critical components, thankfully, all systems functioned as they should, avoiding a potential catastrophe.

Looking Ahead: Focus on Safety

As SpaceX prepares for the upcoming sixth test flight of the Starship, the focus appears to be on 'booster risk reduction' in light of the recent information. Musk expressed a commitment to transparency when it comes to engineering challenges and hinted at the dedication of the SpaceX team to overcome these hurdles.

Conclusion

The Starship is a pivotal part of SpaceX's mission to push humanity further into the cosmos, with plans to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. As they continue to test and refine this colossal rocket, the stakes couldn't be higher. Stay tuned as we follow SpaceX's journey to the stars and witness their extraordinary pursuit of space exploration!