The Intelligence from The Economist

Tick, Tick, Boom: SpaceX launches Starship

Apr 21, 2023
Oliver Morton, a science writer and author, discusses the dramatic SpaceX Starship launch, examining its implications for the future of space travel despite the midair explosion. Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, sheds light on Alexei Navalny's grim conditions in prison and the broader issues of political repression in Russia. Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, pays tribute to fashion icon Mary Quant, exploring how her designs empowered women and mirrored societal shifts during the 1960s.
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ANECDOTE

Starship Launch

  • SpaceX's Starship launch, the largest rocket ever, was highly anticipated but faced delays due to technical issues.
  • Despite initial success, the rocket exploded mid-air after a few minutes due to a separation failure.
INSIGHT

Partial Success

  • Despite the explosion, the launch provided valuable data for SpaceX.
  • Reusability of the entire rocket system, not just size, is the key innovation for cost reduction.
INSIGHT

Competition and Collaboration

  • SpaceX, unlike its competitors, has the financial stability to withstand setbacks and continue development.
  • Their main competitor is NASA, their collaborator for moon missions.
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