Tech professor says Starship aborted launch was a learning tool Gene Marrano May 8, 2023 1 minute read When the SpaceX Starship exploded shortly after launch on April 20th, the employees cheered their success. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports a Virginia Tech engineering professor says the rocket did what it was meant to do. Share: Post navigation Previous: It is “Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Day” in the cityNext: Ironman to pause Roanoke event after June race Related Stories 1 minute read Roanoker’s latest novel is a collaboration with his grandaughter Gene Marrano December 26, 2025 0 1 minute read Harrison Museum in soft opening mode, Taubman’s big NYE bash and still time to check out Deck the Doors at History Museum Gene Marrano December 24, 2025 0 1 minute read Salem RidgeYaks GM is a Hall of Famer Gene Marrano December 24, 2025 0