Did Elon really decide to splash the booster because there were seagulls on the boat? https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1361542266163130369?s=21
Were there any previous landings where people noticed wildlife on the ship? From a legal standpoint, they are protected by the migratory bird act. From a PR standpoint, what kind of backlash could SpaceX face if they roasted some seagulls on live stream?
Wouldn't they be able to simply fly away? It's not like that thing lights up 10 feet above the boat. Honestly if they tossed that booster because of 3 birds I'm even more in love with Elon.
Almost certainly no. We all saw the booster continue to show flames/engine activity after entry burn shutoff on the broadcast. So most likely explanation is a malfunction. Also, birds tend to fly away when really loud, hot bright things approach them. And finally, finally, that droneship was in international waters, I believe.
The head seagull is looking like it will sue for psychological trauma: https://twitter.com/DroneshipBird
At least with an incoming rocket the gulls have some warning. Over the years, acoustic vibrations from rocket launches have undoubtedly had a negative impact on a variety of wildlife.
I think OP was referring to this tweet: https://twitter.com/teslainventory/status/1361529527000653827?s=20