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 Roanoke delegate calls antisemitism claims ‘silly season’ politics Ian Price August 11, 2025 1 min read VBR sees solid visitation growth numbers in 2024, in early 2025 also Gene Marrano August 11, 2025 1 min read Miyares calls Democratic opponent “soft” on violent crime; challenger responds with public safety plan Web Staff August 11, 2025