SpaceX has announced that the explosion of Starship last month was due to a series of events caused by propellant leaks. The rocket, owned by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, self-destructed during a test flight last month. This explosion led to changes in flight routes and some aircraft having to wait in the air before landing. Flights were delayed at Miami Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. Fires started in the engines SpaceX revealed that the cause of the explosion, after investigations, was fuel leaks and communication interruptions. As the Starship fired its own rocket engines to reach orbit, a flare was seen near one of the Raptor vacuum engines in the rear section of the vehicle. Continuous fires started due to leaks, and all engines except one entered controlled shutdown protocol, eventually leading to loss of communication with the vehicle. Why were there fuel leaks? The company explained that the fuel leaks were “probably” caused by more vibrations than expected in the test, which put high stress on the propulsion system. The Automatic Flight Termination System triggered the craft’s destruction in response to the incidents. Did the Starship wreckage cause any damage? SpaceX claimed that all the Starship wreckage fell into the predetermined Debris Area. The wreckage that fell into the Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean was recorded by local people. Some social media users present at the scene claimed that the Starship wreckage damaged several vehicles. There were no reported cases of injuries related to the incident. Issues resolved Elon Musk’s company reported changes in the fuel lines sending fuel to Starship’s engines, readjustment of the propellant’s temperature, and additional ventilation holes to make the rear section more resistant to leaks. In addition, a new cleaning system prioritizing safety was added to Starship. To be tested on February 28 The next test flight of Starship is planned for February 28. SpaceX, testing the rocket for the eighth time, will also observe the impact of the changes made. The test flight will take place at SpaceX’s Starbase Production and Launch Facility in Texas.