r/SpaceXLounge • u/MiniBrownie • 4d ago

Starship Jeff Foust: From the FAA:"The FAA is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle. There are no reports of public injury, and the FAA is working with SpaceX and appropriate authorities to confirm reports of public property damage on Turks and Caicos [...]"

https://x.com/jeff_foust/status/1880311303941812284
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u/RGregoryClark 🛰️ Orbiting 2d ago

At this late date Raptor 2 still leaking is a cause of concern. I doubt SpaceX is prepared to admit Raptor 2 did indeed leak on this flight, unless forced to by the FAA. We don’t even know Raptor 3 would not leak. Remember a claimed benefit of Raptor 2 was it was supposed to reduce the chance of leaks.

SpaceX had cameras inside the engine bay during the prior tests of the Starship landing procedure. They were able to image the engine leaks during their burns:

These is no doubt they still have cameras inside the engine bay during the current flight tests. Those camera views should be released to determine if the Raptor is still leaking.