Starship update, 8/26/25

8/26/25:

 

After a string of failures, SpaceX had a nearly perfect launch and splashdown today. This isn't a complete report, so there may be some facts missing. At this time, the major objectives appear to have been achieved. That being the booster test, which didn't schedule any catch attempt, the fully controlled ascent to engines cut-off, the deployment of the dummy cargo, the re-light of the Starship to prove orbital capability, and the splashdown.

There was some damage to the Starship upon its re-entry, but this didn't affect the final splashdown in any significant way. However, the final details are not obtained yet for the purposes of this post. All in all, this appears to have been a successful flight.

P.S.

I'd say, based upon the objectives listed in this article on ZeroHedge, that this was pretty damned closed to a unqualified success.

A day after video and analysis by Scott Manley: