SpaceX has pinpointed propellant leaks as the primary cause of last month's Starship explosion, which occurred during a test flight. The company has since addressed the issue and is now preparing for an eighth test flight, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Starship explosion, which took place on January 20, was a significant setback for SpaceX's ambitious program to develop a reusable heavy-lift rocket system. However, the company has been working diligently to identify the root cause of the incident and implement necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

According to SpaceX, a series of events led to the explosion, starting with a flash observed in the aft section of the vehicle near one of the Raptor vacuum engines. Sensors on board the ship detected a rise in pressure, indicative of a propellant leak, which subsequently caused sustained fires in that section of the vehicle. The fires led to a loss of communication with the ship, prompting the automatic in-flight abort system to trigger the destruction of the vehicle.

SpaceX has attributed the propellant leaks to vibrations that exceeded expected levels during testing, resulting in increased stress on hardware in the propulsion system. To address this issue, the company has made modifications to the lines that send fuel to Starship's engines, adjusted the temperature of the propellant, and added extra vents and a new purge system to make the aft section more robust to propellant leakage.

Notably, this is the first time SpaceX has been subjected to a mishap investigation while CEO Elon Musk is operating inside the United States government, with workers from his Department of Government Efficiency actively making changes at the FAA. The agency has yet to officially close the investigation or grant special authorization for the eighth test flight, which could take place as early as Friday.

The January test flight had begun successfully, with the Super Heavy booster launching without issue and the launch-and-catch tower catching the booster as it returned to Earth. However, the problems arose when Starship ignited its own rocket engines to reach orbit, leading to the cascading series of events that ultimately resulted in the explosion.

Despite the setback, SpaceX remains committed to pushing the boundaries of space technology and innovation. The company's Starship program aims to develop a reusable heavy-lift rocket system capable of carrying both people and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. With the lessons learned from the recent explosion and the implementation of necessary changes, SpaceX is poised to continue its progress toward achieving this ambitious goal.

The incident also highlights the importance of rigorous testing and safety protocols in the development of complex space technology. As the space industry continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible, it is crucial that companies like SpaceX prioritize safety and reliability to ensure the long-term sustainability of space exploration and development.