SpaceX’s SN10 rocket exploded on its first test flight at high altitude in Boca Chica, Texas, on March 3, just eight minutes after it landed. The rocket was a Mars-bound prototype named SN10. Despite appearing to land safely, it exploded moments later. Though multiple fixes are in the works, the disaster remains tragic. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but the CEO says the failure is largely due to the low thrust propellent and heavy impact.
Although the SN10 exploded eight minutes after its touchdown, it was not the result of an engine failure or mechanical malfunction. The problem likely resulted from the use of a pressurization system on the methane header tank. That change was made to correct a problem with the SN8 prototype. Regardless of the cause, SpaceX hailed the test as a success, citing the fact that it remained in one piece for longer.
While SpaceX’s SN10 rocket’s SN8 failure occurred because of a faulty pressurization system, the SN10’s failure was the result of a quick fix that replaced methane pressurant with helium. While this caused some problems, it also watered down the Raptor’s performance. It hasn’t been determined whether this is a common problem, but it’s still worth investigating.
Elon Musk has reacted with concern over the explosion, claiming that the helium was the cause of the SN10’s crash. A spokesperson for the company says the presence of helium in the SN10 was a deliberate decision. The rocket’s CH4 header tank had helium pressurization to help avoid this problem. As a result, the shaky landing caused the SN10 to tip over.
SpaceX’s SN10 spacecraft landed safely in Boca Chica, Texas, and was dismantled afterward. The vehicle was unable to return to orbit after completing its third test. Despite being able to land in one piece, the SN10 rocket exploded shortly after landing. Several factors are suspected in the cause of the explosion, but the company is currently addressing all issues.
Although SpaceX has not publicly said what caused the explosion, many analysts have speculated that the rocket’s landing legs weren’t fully deployed when it landed. The SN10 exploded about 10 minutes after landing. Some analysts consider the launch a success, but have a hard time imagining it crashing and exploding. Insprucker was the only person on the launchpad at the time of the crash.
While the SN10 landed safely, it was not without a large helium leak. The helium ingestion was likely a result of the pressurized methane header tank. The pressurization system had been added to the RN10 after the SN8 blew up. However, this rocket exploded and remained in pieces for longer than its earlier counterparts. It is unclear if the helium ingestion was the cause of the explosion.
While SpaceX’s SN10 landed safely, it exploded soon after landing. The rocket was a prototype of a reusable and cost-effective rocket. The RN10 had a helium leak, but this was later corrected. But why did it explode? It was a test of a new technology, but the SN10 had a few issues. This is why the RN10 failed the first test.
While the SN10 landed on a leaned-to-one-side trajectory, the SN10 landed upright. Fortunately, it was not harmed by helium ingestion, and both the SN10 and the RN10 were in one piece for longer than their earlier prototypes. In November 2020, the SN10 reportedly remained in one piece longer than the NN8.
The SN10’s first landing is an example of a SN10’s slew of test flights. Its helium-ingestion problem was probably caused by a helium leak in the fuel tank header. The pressurization system was added on Musk’s order to correct this issue. After the SN10 exploded, the crew was unable to safely land the rocket.
SpaceX is launching new prototypes of the Starship rocket. SN8 and SN9 were single-engine vehicles that flew 500 feet above the Earth. The SN10 prototype incorporated three Raptors, front and rear flaps, and advanced electronics. During the first test, the SN10 hovered at 6.2 miles above the Earth. The SN9 had a faulty primary engine and exploded during the first flight.