SpaceX's latest attempt to launch a batch of Starlink satellites into orbit ended in failure.
The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the satellites lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, but something went wrong during the ascent.
The exact cause of the malfunction is still unknown.
The rocket was supposed to reach an altitude of around 300 miles, but it appears to have veered off course.
It's unclear at this point what will happen to the satellites.
SpaceX Rocket Accident
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket failed to deliver Starlink satellites to the correct orbit due to a malfunction on the upper stage.
This was the company's first launch failure since 2015, and it's a significant setback for SpaceX's ambitious plans to build a megaconstellation.
The failure occurred on July 11, when the rocket's second stage engine failed to ignite, leaving the satellites in a too-low orbit.
The satellites will re-enter the atmosphere and burn up, but the exact timing is unknown.
SpaceX attempted to raise the satellites using onboard ion thrusters, but it was a difficult task due to the low end of their orbit.
The company's Elon Musk believes that the high flight rate will make it easier to identify and correct the problem.
The failure has temporarily grounded the Falcon 9 rocket, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring an investigation and may need to approve any modifications to the rocket before it can fly again.
The incident highlights the risks and challenges involved in space exploration and satellite deployment.
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The Rocket Issue
The Falcon 9 rocket failed to ignite its second stage engine, leading to a likely explosion about an hour after launch.
This was the first failure for SpaceX's Falcon 9 in nearly a decade, with the previous failure occurring in 2016 when it exploded on the launchpad.
The rocket was carrying 20 Starlink satellites, which were released into a lower than intended orbit.
Additional reading: Spacex Falcon 9 Rocket Launches 21 Starlink Satellites
The lowest point in the orbit was 135 kilometers above Earth, which is less than half of what was intended.
SpaceX attempted to raise the satellites using onboard ion thrusters, but it was difficult to counteract the drag in their orbit.
The company's first launch failure since 2015 was a malfunction on the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket.
The satellites will re-enter the atmosphere and burn up, with no mention of when they might come down.
More than 6,000 orbiting Starlinks currently provide internet service to customers in some of the most remote corners of the world.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is aware of the anomaly and is requiring an investigation.
SpaceX's Elon Musk said the high flight rate will make it easier to identify and correct the problem.
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