I was wondering, when they shot a telescopic view of the 1st stage, why there were several dark spots in the thruster cluster, then, realized that was probably not the plan. Your summary was helpful in knowing what might have caused the failure to occur. It's refreshing to see the reaction of the Space X engineers when these things go awry as it reinforces the idea that we learn from failure. Thanks for the summary.
Conjecture right now is that the Raptors in B7 were of an older design, not the latest iteration, so possibly more prone to failure. Also good conjecture — the rubble blast from underneath the launch mount is thought to have been responsible for damage to most if not all the Raptors that failed at launch or during flight.
Pretty successful first flight of the integrated stack - Ship 24, booster 7.
I was wondering, when they shot a telescopic view of the 1st stage, why there were several dark spots in the thruster cluster, then, realized that was probably not the plan. Your summary was helpful in knowing what might have caused the failure to occur. It's refreshing to see the reaction of the Space X engineers when these things go awry as it reinforces the idea that we learn from failure. Thanks for the summary.
Pretty successful first flight of the integrated stack - Ship 24, booster 7.
It met the primary goals of don't blow up the launch site, and make it through Max-Q. It achieved both, and a bit more before the self-destructs were initiated.
My brief Reader's Digest version of the known & speculation:
Early analysis is saying three raptors out on launch, and an additional three failed during flight. One of the latter three exploded in such a fashion to take out the nearby hydraulic power unit (HPU) that provides hydraulic controls to swivel the Raptors and more.
With hydraulic power gone, and little ability to control flight, it held together amazing well as it started a series of spirals before self destruct was commanded. Prior to self destruct, booster 7 did attempt the boost-back burn, with Ship 24 still attached. Ship 24 (S24) may not have been properly released due to the stack not having achieved the correct altitudes & speeds required and/or due to the failure of the HPU to allow the clamps holding S24 to release. The fact the the entire structure held together through the anomalous gyrations speaks well to the structural strength of the integrated stack.
The launch site is not without some serious damage - there's a massive crater blasted below the launch stand. Water deluge planned as an upgrade may not be enough. A flame trench may be required, though the geology of the area - high water table, sand, may be problematic.
The next booster to fly - likely booster 9 (B9)- uses electrical control to swivel the Raptors. The HPU was problematic and this was the only flight where it was to be used. Thus, no more HPU explosions causing loss of control. B9 also has individual engine shielding to add damage control/containment should a Raptor explode.
SpaceX is phenomenal at rapid Iterative development. The next booster and ship to fly are already built. Likely to be S25 and B9. Next test flight likely several months away at minimum.
I was having flashbacks of watching Challenger blow up. Just a test, but still. Weird. I was in middle school and we were all sitting in the floor watching....I remember thinking "What just happened? Is it supposed to do that?".
Was thinking the same. Luckily I had explained to the young boys hogging the screen with me that there weren't any astronauts on board before it blew.
I was having flashbacks of watching Challenger blow up. Just a test, but still. Weird. I was in middle school and we were all sitting in the floor watching....I remember thinking "What just happened? Is it supposed to do that?".
So watching Starship liftoff in Texas it flew great until separation was to occur and then like the 420 stoners it went Pooof into a big ball of smoke ð¨
Still a pretty impressive start though. Looks like 5 engines cut out later in the flight. I wonder how long it will take them to iron out the problems. What a massive ship.
Location: On the edge of tomorrow looking back at yesterday. Gender:
Posted:
Apr 20, 2023 - 6:59am
So watching Starship liftoff in Texas it flew great until separation was to occur and then like the 420 stoners it went Pooof into a big ball of smoke ð¨
Crazy how things stick with you. 
