SpaceX's SN10 Starship prototype lands after epic test launch — but then explodes

Space.com ^ | 3/3/2021 | Mike Wall

[jmcenanly]

SN-11 is ready to go. They're turning these things out like Liberty ships.

[jmcenanly]

If you want to land somewhere with little or no atmosphere, it is the only way to go.

[ridesthemiles]

Sometimes not even to the finish line of the first run of the day!!!!

I have seen some SPECTACULAR engine explosions.

[AFreeBird]

Actually, this is the second stage. It would ride up on a super falcon first stage.

[pfflier]

I don't know about the key, seems like a screwdriver worked just as well. My brothers and I went through about three of those a year, come to think of it, maybe the key was a better idea.

I don't remember the red rubber tip but that rubber must be ancient by now. I'm remembering the rockets from the 1950's.

[shooter223]

NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars do an engine rebuild after every pass. They only run about 1000 ft. under full power. Some don’t even make it that far. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDdo5-f75R0

[billakay]

I assume it is because this thing is intended to land vertically on the Moon or Mars and then take back off when the trip is over. Even on Earth, the vertical landings are much more economical because a rocket that splashes down in the ocean, even if it is a soft landing requires a complete disassembly and cleaning.

[Swordmaker]

Actually, this is the second stage. It would ride up on a super falcon first stage.

No, it’s too big to fit on a super Falcon first stage. SpaceX is building a specialized Starship Booster that is 36’ in diameter that mates with the Starship to boost it. They’ve already got the first SN-1 Booster in the highbay being assembled as I write this. IT will have up to 28 to 36(?) rocket motors to accomplish the heavy lifting.

The design has changed a bit since this concept drawing.
For example, the legs on Starship are now inboard, and the
Heavy Booster has lost its tail fins in favor of either folding
legs or using a catching system.

[Magnum44]

[dfwgator]

See #4

[Magnum44]

:)

[jetson]

They had the thingamajig too close to the doohickey. Or dis too close to dat.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Simple. Just get all of the passengers off before it explodes.

[tet68]

The legs might be suitable for a hardened landing pad
but on open ground probably don’t have enough surface
area to support a ship and the fuel necessary to return
to orbit, plus the clearance necessary to take off.

I would think the landing legs as used on the
current boosters would be more practical.