SpaceX has completed its investigation into the causes of the accident during the seventh test flight of the Starship system.

On January 17th, at 01:37 Moscow time, SpaceX successfully launched the Starship transportation system into space for the seventh time from the "Starbase" launch site in South Texas.

One of the objectives of the flight was to attempt the second catch of the first stage of Starship — the Super Heavy B14 rocket — using the Mechazilla servicing tower, which was successful.

However, after the successful stage separation, the flight did not proceed as planned. A rapid unplanned disintegration of the Starship occurred during ascent.

According to Elon Musk, this incident was caused by a fuel leak. The leak was strong enough to create pressure exceeding the capacity of the excess components venting hole.

Further investigation confirmed and clarified the initial findings.

According to SpaceX, the fuel leak exceeded the capabilities of the non-hermetic zone for venting excess components located at the rear of the Starship, which is situated between the bottom of the liquid oxygen tank and the thermal protection shield, leading to a fire, subsequent engine shutdowns, and ultimately loss of communication with the spacecraft.

SpaceX engineers have already taken steps to minimize the likelihood of a similar incident occurring during future Starship flights. In preparation for the eighth test flight of the system, specialists conducted the longest burn of the Starship upper stage, lasting 60 seconds.

The results of this test provided insights into changes to the fuel line equipment for vacuum engines, adjustments to fuel temperatures, and a new target thrust value that will be utilized in upcoming flight tests.

To eliminate the potential flammability of fuel in the rear section of the Starship, additional venting holes for excess components will be added to the current generation of spacecraft, and a new purging system using gaseous nitrogen will enhance the design's resistance to leaks.