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SpaceX Bets Steel Plates Will Keep Launchpad From Blowing Up

  • Starship launchpad was badly damaged in flight test last month
  • Experts question whether CEO Musk’s fix will be enough
The SpaceX Starship lifts off from the launchpad on April 20.
The SpaceX Starship lifts off from the launchpad on April 20.Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images
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Before SpaceX can try again to send its massive Starship rocket into orbit, the company needs to repair and renovate its badly damaged launch site in southern Texas.

It’s unclear if the design changes SpaceX is planning will be sufficient. The launch attempt on April 20 destroyed the structure below the launchpad, sending chunks of sand, concrete and steel thousands of feet into the sky and setting fire to a nearby park.