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The launch of SpaceX's Starship was one of the most highly anticipated space events for years. It had been scheduled originally for Monday, but there'd been what they'd call a scrub because of something frozen in the fuel tank. We should be able to resume the launch countdown any moment now. Alexei Navalny has spent the last two years locked up in a Russian penal colony,. Now faced with the prospect of new charges, he could be jailed for much longer. And we pay tribute to the mother of the miniskirt.

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