Spaceflight Insider Cullen Desforges February 27th, 2021 Starship SN9 explodes as it impacts the landing zone in off nominal conditions. This often brings up the question of what defines a failure in spaceflight testing. Image: Nicholas D’Alessandro, Spaceflight Insider In recent months, several companies have made great strides in the realm of testing advanced spacecraft, despite public perception some would label a failure. It’s this perception that brings up the question: “In Spaceflight testing, what defines a failure?” In February, SpaceX conducted the second high-altitude test flight of its Starship spacecraft from its building and launch site in Boca Chica, Texas. The flight profile of the Serial Number 9 test article, commonly referred to as SN9, called for a launch and climb to about 10 kilometers.