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 The Salem RidgeYaks – formerly the Red Sox – open up the 2026 Carolina League season tonight Gene Marrano April 2, 2026 0 Roanoke Valley Saves Week kicks off this Saturday with free financial wellness workshops to follow Emma Thomas April 2, 2026 0 RCPS and Carilion Clinic announce new multi-million dollar CTE center set to replace The Burton Center Emma Thomas April 2, 2026 0