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It did indeed explode in the literal sense: rapid decomposition of the launch vehicle. I suppose it is worth mentioning that it did not "explode" in the sense
by nrb 7y ago
It did indeed explode in the literal sense: rapid decomposition of the launch vehicle.
I suppose it is worth mentioning that it did not "explode" in the sense people normally understand though: a blast of rapid combustion of fuel.
- Klathmon 7y agoIIRC the word "explosion" has a very specific meaning in this context. I remember reading that the SpaceX AMOS-6 failure was specifically NOT an explosion even though it really looked like one to a layperson.
- mr_toad 7y agoEven SpaceX refers to that as an explosion. Technically it was a deflagration, not a detonation, but energetic deflagrations are a type of explosion.