The Starship Second Stage Explodes

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John Inksbrucker, a space engineer who provides live commentary on the on the comer's website during these launches, delivered a technical understatement for the ages. The rocket was tumbling as one great big object when it exploded and debris fell down into the Gulf of Mexico. Even if this test had succeeded beyond Elon Musk's wildest dreams if everything had worked perfectly they still wouldn't have shown that this Starship system actually works. SpaceX has already led the world in being able to reuse the first stage of its Falcon 9 rockets and it reuses the fairings too. If it could be achieved that would really transform the whole business of getting into orbit and beyond.

In a historic first, the largest rocket ever assembled managed to get off the ground. But then it exploded midair. We ask if this launch can still be called a success. Alexei Navalny is still holed up in tortuous conditions in Russia and could be facing even more charges. And, a tribute to a trendsetting fashion designer.

For a full examination of Alexei Navalny’s story so far — told by the people who know him -- search for our Russia podcast "Next Year in Moscow". Or find it here economist.com/moscowpod

To explore the Starship rocket's potential impact on space travel —and find out why exploding is an important part of SpaceX’s model—listen to a previous episode of our "Babbage" podcast. Find that at economist.com/starship-pod or wherever you listen

And, to access the print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer