4 ms·
Summary: launched to the point that starship separated successfully. The booster appears to have exploded on its landing burn. They never intended to catch this
by staplung 1y ago
Summary: launched to the point that starship separated successfully. The booster appears to have exploded on its landing burn. They never intended to catch this booster but they didn't expect it to explode during the landing burn. Starship meanwhile got all the way to SECO, which is farther than the previous two missions. They were not able to open the pez-dispenser door to launch the starlink dummies. Some time after that it became clear that starship was tumbling out of control. They did not attempt to relight the engines. Reentry was uncontrolled.
- deleted 1y ago[deleted]
- goku12 1y agoOne important additional detail is that the Starship started shedding debris (both inside and outside) and tumbling slowly, right after SECO. A leak also seems to have developed at the same time - which would explain the gradually worsening tumble rates. Leaks are unfortunately difficult to distinguish from intentional venting, if you're unfamiliar with the venting scheme. However, it's more or less surely a leak(s), especially given that the same were not observed in previous flights.