The prototype spacecraft exploded during testing

The upcoming Starship 9 and 10 test models are almost ready for release, and Starship modifications 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are already in production.

The prototype of the reusable interplanetary spacecraft of the company Elon Musk Starship SN8 of the American company SpaceX exploded during the tests. The broadcast on Wednesday, December 9, was made on the company’s YouTube channel.

Starship SN8 was launched from the launch complex in Boca Chica, Texas.

The craft collapsed on landing when it touched the landing pad. At the same time, before that, he safely started from the range and reached the planned height – 12.5 km.

For the first time, a test model of the Starship interplanetary spacecraft was launched at a significant altitude to test its aerodynamics and perform a controlled vertical landing at a given point.

The day before, Musk noted that with “probability ⅓ (33.3% – UP) the launch will be successful.”

Also, commenting on the model launch, SpaceX senior engineer on Mars, Lars Blackmore, said the launch “is a big step towards 100% reusable rockets that can get us to the Moon and Mars. The first one may not work. time, so wish us. ” good luck! “

Starship SN8 with nose cone and stabilizers is reusable for future flights to Mars.

In the SN8 test prototype, unlike the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, which has Merlin engines, three Raptor engines provide lifting power.

It was previously reported that the American ship Crew Dragon successfully delivered a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station.

It was also reported that the third static fire test of the SpaceX Starship SN8 rocket prototype ended in failure.

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