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: Continue Reading Previous: It is “Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Day” in the cityNext: Ironman to pause Roanoke event after June race Related Stories 2 min read I-81 shooting incident in Botetourt County under investigation Web Staff October 10, 2025 1 min read Branch Group to host 4th annual GIRL Construction Experience tomorrow Web Staff October 10, 2025 1 min read Luke Combs scheduled to perform in Charlottesville in April Clark Palmer October 9, 2025