There are growing doubts within China’s space sector that Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket being developed by SpaceX in the United States, will ever overcome its engineering and financial challenges and deliver for founder and CEO Elon Musk.
Starship’s latest flight on Friday – weeks before the company’s expected initial public offering (IPO) – was described as “mostly successful” by the company after engine failures occurred in both the first and second stages.
After the first stage Super Heavy Booster entered the Gulf of Mexico at high speed, Starship itself “barely made it” to its designated return area in the Indian Ocean, according to observers posting on Chinese social media.
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One space commenter said the test flight’s results showed the key issue was the reliability of Starship’s upgraded Raptor 3 engines, which have had a redesign to give them higher thrust and lighter weight.
“A fine scientific experiment, but not a perfect story for a much-anticipated IPO,” the online commenter wrote.
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SpaceX has not officially confirmed the date of its public listing, but multiple media reports have said it is planning to do so as early as June 12.
“High frequency and reliability launches of Starship – as a must for delivering big promises such as orbital data centres and moon and Mars landings – are still out of sight,” the commenter added.