The SpaceX Starship SN8 exploded while landing in rural Boca Chica, Texas on Wednesday. The bullet-shaped stainless-steel prototype rocket test lasted six-and-a-half-minutes.
Despite the crash, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his team consider the flight a success. “Mars, here we come!!” he tweeted.
The SpaceX Starship SN8 flies high
The SpaceX Starship SN8 was a 4th generation unmanned test rockets. Two test models were sent up earlier this year. They reached altitudes of around 490 feet. An even earlier model, the shorter Starhopper rocket was launched in 2019. Each mission reached somewhat higher altitudes. But the first three flight tests simply did not have enough power.
The SN8 prototype is unique because it has body flaps, a nose cone, and most importantly, three Raptor engines. The extra engines were designed to power the rocket to a higher altitude. SpaceX was trying to send SN8 almost 100 times higher than the previous flight and the rocket finally made it to the stratosphere.
Earlier this week, a cautious Elon Musk said there was “probably” only a one-in-three chance of the test flight of the SN8 Starship succeeding. The objectives of the mission were to launch up to 8 miles (12.5km) high and then maneuver to a landing site.
