SpaceX Starship Prototype Explodes During Landing

Reuters reports:

A SpaceX Starship prototype rocket exploded on landing after an otherwise successful high-altitude experimental launch from Boca Chica, Texas, on Tuesday, in a repeat of an accident that destroyed a previous test rocket.

The Starship SN9 that blew up on its final descent, like the SN8 before it, was a prototype for the heavy-lift rocket being developed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s private space company to carry humans and 100 tons (90,718 kg) of cargo on future missions to the moon and Mars.

Incredible scenes from #SpaceX pic.twitter.com/qWKgoIQY8q

— H F Mackenzie (@manxambassador) February 2, 2021

Coming in hot! ?#SpaceXpic.twitter.com/1ADe3CHH1E

— Latest in space (@latestinspace) February 2, 2021

#SpaceX SN9 reminded me of the Hindenburg landing pic.twitter.com/9OwKYz3W8j

— Erik the Pez (@eriksgtsar) February 2, 2021

I was hoping for a good landing, ahhh just more anticipation for SN10 #SpaceX #StarshipSN9

pic.twitter.com/GUe48kQl3s

— Ryan Thomas (@My3_Ideas) February 2, 2021