SpaceX Mars Manned Spacecraft Prototype Explodes During Landing After Launch

Musk "Fuel tank pressure low... descending too fast"
Prototype reaches highest altitude... "Still successful"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] SpaceX's Mars crewed spacecraft prototype 'SN8' exploded during the landing process after a test flight. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, nevertheless described the flight as successful.

According to CNN and other foreign media on the 9th (local time), the SN8 spacecraft was launched from SpaceX's launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, USA, and flew for 6 minutes and 42 seconds. During the landing process, the rocket engine was reignited to reduce speed, but the spacecraft tilted, collided with the ground, and then exploded.

CEO Musk explained on Twitter immediately after the explosion, "When the rocket engine was reignited, the fuel tank pressure was low, and SN8 descended too quickly." He added, "Nevertheless, it was a successful flight." This is interpreted as the SN8 spacecraft having succeeded in flying to the highest altitude of 12.5 km during the Starship prototype test flight that day. CNN also evaluated it as "still successful."

Earlier, SpaceX unveiled the large spacecraft Starship series for the first time in September last year and announced plans to send 100 people and cargo to Mars. Initially, it was expected that Earth orbit entry would be possible by March this year, but due to delays in spacecraft development caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the first orbital flight test of Starship has been postponed to next year.