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FailureV2 · Orbital Launch Pad 1

Starship Flight 9

Monday, May 26, 2025

BoosterLostShipLost

First reflight of a Super Heavy booster. Booster lost on an experimental descent; ship reached space but lost control and both stages were lost.

The first flight to reuse a flown Super Heavy booster (booster B14-2, from Flight 7). The booster was lost over the Gulf during an experimental high-angle-of-attack descent test rather than a catch. Starship reached space but lost attitude control — attributed to a leak — and could not complete a controlled reentry, and was lost over the Indian Ocean.

Super Heavy Booster

Lost over the Gulf during an experimental descent test

Starship (Upper Stage)

Reached space but lost attitude control; lost over the Indian Ocean

Objectives

  • First reuse of a flown Super Heavy booster
  • Experimental booster descent profile
  • Controlled Starship reentry

Milestones / Firsts

  • First reflight of a Super Heavy booster

Anomalies

  • Booster lost during experimental descent
  • Ship lost attitude control due to a leak

Sources