SpaceX Test Flight Ends in Explosion and Success
December 17, 2020
The SpaceX test launch on Dec. 9 ended in a fiery crash but not disaster, according to owner Elon Musk.
The 50-meter tall SN8 “Starship” prototype was launched about 8 miles into the air before letting itself freefall, shifting and falling on its side as it did so. It then started up it’s 3 Raptor engines again in an attempt to right itself and land, but was unable to slow itself down fast enough and ended up hitting the ground too quickly, resulting in a massive explosion.
However, SpaceX didn’t see the launch as a failure. Instead, the world’s most valuable private company took the test launch as a win, for it allowed them to use the resulting data for the improvement and development of their Starship. After the launch, Musk tweeted, “Mars, here we come!!”
The Starship prototype is the blueprint for a reusable rocket that will take people to Mars, with Musk planning to send cargo there by 2022 and people by 2024. NASA is slightly behind and plans on sending a crew on the 9 month-long journey by 2030.
Musk also stated that he intends to go ahead with another test launch on Monday, Dec. 13.
See the video of the explosion here, via SpaceX’s Twitter.
