SpaceX Launch Results in Private Space Tug's Uncontrolled Spin

Launcher's Orbiter SN3 space tug, which was designed to deploy smaller satellites into their proper orbits, spun out of control after separating from its SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle due to a software issue. The spacecraft carried the payloads of three customers, but its rotation prevented its solar panels from receiving sunlight to maintain power. Mission operators deployed the customer payloads early to prevent losing the ability to deploy them at all. Launcher lost its first spacecraft, SN1, in February 2023 due to an orientation control issue. The company has begun implementing corrective action to prevent future anomalies.