Probably best to wait for the results of the SpaceX investigation.
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Well at some point I suspect Elon will reveal the explanation, but in the meantime we can speculate based on the evidence available to us.
Elon said today that the Starship launch could still be next month.
In the weekly Ars Technica rocket report email, Eric Berger maintains his belief that the recent explosion started “inside the vehicle” due to CH4 igniting with “the ambient oxygen in the air”:
I remain puzzled by that analysis. Just prior to the explosion there appeared to be cryogenic gases flowing through the engines, there was a brief massive dump of gas and then the explosion. Many people seem to think all the billowing white stuff was LOX.
Yeah...
If they were only flowing methane, the mix level seems like it would be wrong for an inadvertent internal start. Especially since it's cryogenic.
I'll stay in the external ignition source camp, for now.
B7 was removed from the OLM, using the chopsticks, and placed on the transport stand in preparation for moving it back to a high bay for inspection and any needed repairs.
For some reason, one of the engines was removed and replaced before B7 was lifted of the OLM.
Interesting that some of the engine covers have been removed. Perhaps they were damaged and are going to be scrapped. But most of the covers look okay.
Cool view. By the way, work has continued on S25 and almost all the remaining missing tiles have been installed.
For some reason, one of the engines was removed and replaced before B7 was lifted of the OLM.
Interesting that some of the engine covers have been removed. Perhaps they were damaged and are going to be scrapped. But most of the covers look okay.
Cool view. By the way, work has continued on S25 and almost all the remaining missing tiles have been installed.
S24
Maybe that engine was the last thing toggled before the event? Or really toasty...
I only mentioned it because they are build more Starships, so it was quite possible there was an S25 getting tiled.Sorry, I meant S24, you are correct.My mind was leaping ahead to the second launch!
I bet they will need to replace the entire engine coverings if a few were blown off by the explosion.
21 of course. And for bonus points the next one is the answer to ultimate question, of life, the universe, and everything
…it tolls for thee.
With apologies to Donne, are the numbers in question Raptor engine numbers?
If only everyone was taught that poem as a child and the message was continually reinforced in school.
42?21 of course. And for bonus points the next one is the answer to ultimate question, of life, the universe, and everything
In Scott Manley’s latest “Deep Space Update“ video at about the 9:15 point he briefly discusses the booster test anomaly and has revised his guess about where the explosion emanated from, now thinking that it started somewhere near the ground. He is not making a conclusive statement, of course.
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