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 19 years later, the Excel Center Adult High School helps her graduate with a hard-earned diploma Gene Marrano July 21, 2026 Excel Center will welcome more students; holding job fairs as well Gene Marrano July 21, 2026 Roanoke councilman accuses colleague of racist remark Web Staff July 18, 2026