Elon Musk has apparently confirmed that SpaceXs Starship has been destroyed.<\/p>\n
The company had hoped to conduct a successful test of the Mars-bound spacecraft that would see it take off before coming back down to safely land.<\/p>\n
But in the middle of that test, SpaceX cut the live stream with little explanation. Videos taken nearby suggested that the Starship the latest version, numbered SN11 had been destroyed.<\/p>\n
A high production rate solves many ills, Mr Musk first tweeted, apparently in reference to the fact that SpaceX manufactures a number of Starships so they can move on quickly from tests, even if they are destroyed.<\/p>\n
At least the crater is in the right place! he then posted, seemingly confirming what appeared to be a large explosion, and suggesting that it had not caused critical damage as it did.<\/p>\n
:: Follow live as SpaceX continues to determine cause of crash<\/p>\n
In a more detailed tweet, he said that something significant had happened to bring about the problems but that it was not clear what that problem was.<\/p>\n
Looks like engine 2 had issues on ascent & didnt reach operating chamber pressure during landing burn, but, in theory, it wasnt needed, he wrote.<\/p>\n
Something significant happened shortly after landing burn start. Should know what it was once we can examine the bits later today.<\/p>\n
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As Mr Musk referenced, SpaceX has built a host of different versions of the Starship, two of which have been destroyed in previous tests. The latest problem represents a step back from the previous version, given that it had successfully landed on the launchpad and then exploded after.<\/p>\n
But upcoming versions of the Starship which will begin at SN15 already have a number of improvements built-in that could stop similar explosions happening in the future.<\/p>\n
SN15 rolls to launch pad in a few days, Mr Musk wrote in another tweet. It has hundreds of design improvements across structures, avionics\/software & engine.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, one of those improvements covers this problem. If not, then retrofit will add a few more days.<\/p>\n
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See the original post:<\/p>\n
SpaceX launch: Elon Musk confirms Starship SN11 exploded and jokes about crater - The Independent<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Elon Musk has apparently confirmed that SpaceXs Starship has been destroyed. The company had hoped to conduct a successful test of the Mars-bound spacecraft that would see it take off before coming back down to safely land. Continue reading