Tech professor says Starship aborted launch was a learning tool Gene Marrano May 8, 2023 1 min 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. About the Author Gene Marrano Editor View All Posts 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 min read Virginia Tech professor questions longevity of Virginia’s emergency food assistance amid federal shutdown Web Staff November 3, 2025 1 min read 40th District delegate candidate says it’s time for “Virginia to win” Web Staff October 31, 2025 1 min read Maynard Keller steps up to challenge long term incumbent Rasoul for Delegate Gene Marrano October 30, 2025