SpaceX rocket prototype exploded minutes after landing

A prototype of the Starship rocket, from the company SpaceX, The two previous models which exploded after landing, landed successfully but exploded shortly after.

“A magnificent landing,” SpaceX commented in the video broadcasting the test flight live, but At the foot of the ship, we could see flames extinguished by the teams on site. A few minutes later the device exploded, according to the AFP news agency.

The plane took off powered by three motors then turned to fly horizontally. The SN10 prototype of the Starship project, whose objective is to make trips to the Moon and Mars, managed to climb 10 kilometers and land successfully. But after the hubbub of engineers who guided the rocket safely to Earth, Tycoon Elon Musk’s company ship blew up and was completely destroyed, just like the S8 and S9 prototypes, which crashed on landing in December and then in early February. For the moment, no explanation has been given for the incident.

Attempts are being held in an almost deserted area leased by SpaceX in the southern tip of Texas, near Mexico and on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. The area is large enough not to cause damage or loss.

Musk imagines that one day he will be able to launch several ships to conquer Mars. However, if it were to become operational, the rocket would in principle serve shorter flights, especially to the Moon. In one of these devices, billionaire Yusaku Maezawa will theoretically fly to the moon in 2023. The price of the flight is confidential.

From his Twitter account, Maezawa invited eight people “from all over the world” to join him on Wednesday. Those interested must register before March 14 and a week later a first selection will be made. The future rocket, which will include a manned capsule, will be 120 meters high and will be able to carry 100 tonnes.

Agencia AFP

THE NATION

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