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 Familiar voice returns to Salem RidgeYaks broadcast booth for 2026 season Web Staff January 30, 2026 0 Carilion Children’s trauma nurse urges safety first approach for those breaking out the Flexible Flyers this week Gene Marrano January 29, 2026 0 Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Multistate Coalition Condemning DOJ Threats Against Minnesota Clark Palmer January 29, 2026 0