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 1 minute read Name change boost merchandise sales Denise Membreno December 31, 2025 0 1 minute read AAA wants Virginians to celebrate wisely – and have a plan for NYE Gene Marrano December 31, 2025 0 1 minute read Blue Ridge Literacy and its students faced challenges in 2025 with shifting immigration guidelines Gene Marrano December 31, 2025 0