The latest SpaceX prototype exploded into a massive fireball during a plane crash that landed on Tuesday – meeting a fate similar to that of a previous test missile.
The steel prototype Starship Serial Number 9 (SN9) caught fire at the end of an otherwise successful altitude test in Boca Chica, Texas, according to the amazing records of the accident. “We had another great flight again,” the SpaceX announcer said during the online broadcast. “We just have to work a little on that landing.”
The rocket launched around 15:30 and flew up to 10 kilometers, or about 32,800 feet altitude, before heading to a horizontal “belly” position and performing a series of maneuvers.
Then he tried to land upright, but it seemed to enter too quickly and at a bad angle, according to the footage.
The flight ended in a deafening accident, causing an explosion of fire that sent a cloud of dust and flames.
The blast was similar to that in December, when the company’s SN8 rocket was destroyed.
Both are prototypes developed by the space company of CEO Elon Musk, in the hope that one day they will transport people on missions to the Moon and Mars.
Musk was uncharacteristic quiet on Twitter during Tuesday’s flight, announcing one night ago that he was taking a break from the social networking platform.
The tech billionaire tweeted throughout the December flight, including saying the mission was largely a success despite the accidental landing.
SpaceX did not comment immediately.
Both are prototypes developed by CEO Elon Musk’s space company, hoping to send people on missions to the moon and Mars.