Successful Failure

[EddMarkStarr]

Sure, you can watch a rocket blow-up after launch, anytime.
But it's waay more fun to watch a SpaceX launch end with an explosion with my favorite Canadian, Lewis Hilsenteger.

Better known as Lew Later, (Unbox Therapy), Lewis Hilsenteger is one of my goto guys for tech news and SpaceX updates.
The rule of thumb at NASA is, "if a rocket clears the tower . . . it's a success".

 

[gsdx]

"Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly"

 

[Vannie]

The Starhopper is big enough for me.

 

[LeicsDom]

"Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65344370

Or how about an "abnormal descent of aviation ammunition"

 

[NotHardUp1]

I guess this brings up a potential development no one has really mentioned in the media.

Space launches could become targets of terrorism for the notoriety effect. The loss of prestige for the U.S. would be huge, exactly what terrorists seek when trying to slay the giant.

Presumably it is difficult to sneak malware into the control systems, but shoulder-lauunched missiles certainly could overtake a rocket during its intial phase before it gains speed. Maybe this belongs in the Death List thread, but I'm going to jump out there and predict a sabotage within the decade of an American launch.

 

[LoveMyPeppermill]

I guess this brings up a potential development no one has really mentioned in the media.

Space launches could become targets of terrorism for the notoriety effect. The loss of prestige for the U.S. would be huge, exactly what terrorists seek when trying to slay the giant.

Presumably it is difficult to sneak malware into the control systems, but shoulder-lauunched missiles certainly could overtake a rocket during its intial phase before it gains speed. Maybe this belongs in the Death List thread, but I'm going to jump out there and predict a sabotage within the decade of an American launch.

Speaking as a New Yorker, better space launches than skyscrapers.

 

[NotHardUp1]

I'm against space exploration, but would never support terrorism to stop it. It's a government prerogative. If taxpayers choose to fund it, that is the will of the people.

But, as it gains prominence again and takes on the prestige of the nation, it will draw the attention of the terrorists. It's a certainty.

 

[EddMarkStarr]

Former ISS commander and retired astronaut Chris Hadfield responded on CTV News that it looked to him like mission control hit the "auto-destruct" button when therocket had more than six engines fail. As more of the engines began to fail mission control loss the ability to steer the rocket - a danger that makes self-destruct a useful safety move!

 

[rareboy]

I imagine that the shareholders of Space X are sad today.

 

[pigface]

"Vunce ze rockets are up, who cares vhere zey come down - zhat's not my department!" says Wehrner Von Braun.

 

[eddielee]

Did I hear people clap and cheer when it blew up?

 

[gsdx]

^ Yes, unless we're both not hearing the same things.

 

[johaninsc]

I've read that the chunks of concrete from the pad are what damaged the engines...

Elmo's rockets...just like his cars

 

[Alistair]

 

[rareboy]

Now that is a metaphor...that the foundations for the launch literally weren't built to take the blast.

Like Twitter.

I would think there's probably some years of forensic engineering analysis and design/construction of safe infrastructure before the FAA will permit any kind of re-launch from what I see.

 

[pigface]

20 April = Hitler's birthday. Coincidence?