SpaceX’s latest Starship prototype landed for the first time on Wednesday after carrying out a high-altitude test flight in Texas — but exploded minutes later on its landing pad.
The rocket, an early test version called SN10, demonstrated a few complex manoeuvres in mid-air before making a soft touch down, aiming to make progress in Elon Musk’s campaign to build a fully reusable rocket system.
#SN10 reflew a lot quicker than any of us expected ???? that was insane!!!! So…. congrats and also RIP ????♂️???? bye bye SN10, congrats on making history!!!! @spacex @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/FkDTa9ISRi
— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) March 3, 2021
After aborting an initial launch attempt earlier in the day, the prototype lifted off at 6:14pm ET and soared 6 miles above SpaceX’s Boca Chica, Texas facilities. Unlike the last two tests with SN8 and SN9, which launched successfully but exploded on their landing attempts, SN10 stuck a lopsided landing on a slab of concrete not far from its launchpad, appearing to survive its daring landing maneuver for a few moments before being consumed in a fireball.
Read more on The Verge.
Tags: SpaceX