CAP Talk

Operations => Aerospace Education => Topic started by: sardak on September 01, 2016, 07:56:05 PM

Title: Space is Hard - SpaceX Explosion on Launch Pad
Post by: sardak on September 01, 2016, 07:56:05 PM
From the SpaceX website:

At approximately 9:07 am ET, during a standard pre-launch static fire test for the [Saturday] AMOS-6 mission, there was an anomaly at SpaceX's Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 resulting in loss of the vehicle.

The anomaly originated around the upper stage oxygen tank and occurred during propellant loading of the vehicle. Per standard operating procedure, all personnel were clear of the pad and there were no injuries.

We are continuing to review the data to identify the root cause. Additional updates will be provided as they become available."

*****************
One of many articles, this one showing the full video of the explosion, but Florida Today covers the space program well:

http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2016/09/01/explosion-reported-spacex-pad/89710076/

Launch Complex 40, from where SpaceX launches, used to be a Titan IV launch pad.

Explosion and smoke plume visible on weather radar: https://twitter.com/CNNweather/status/771351478581821440

Mike

Edited to add weather radar link.
Title: Re: Space is Hard - SpaceX Explosion on Launch Pad
Post by: LSThiker on September 06, 2016, 01:53:24 PM
Could not resist the temptation to post the conspiracy theory:

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/ufo-causing-spacex-rocket-explosion-best-conspiracy-internet-202003705.html
Title: Re: Space is Hard - SpaceX Explosion on Launch Pad
Post by: Spam on September 06, 2016, 03:03:18 PM
(Oh, why not, I'll play - good topic, LSThiker!)

So, if its not simply a bird flying close to the lens (which it is), then who had the method/motive/opportunity to send an amazingly precise and fast package delivering UAV to swoop down and blow up his competitors launch vehicle?

Why.... Bezos! Mu-haaaahaaaahaaaaa!!!

(https://megaricoss.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/jeff-bezos.jpg?w=1112)


(The above to please be interpreted as faux conspiracy theory humor only. Cadets, please think about doing an AE current events brief this month on the actual causal factors of the explosion - and/or on the SpaceX - Blue Origin - SNC - other firm space races going on).

V/R
Spam




Title: Re: Space is Hard - SpaceX Explosion on Launch Pad
Post by: Spam on September 06, 2016, 03:08:53 PM

"And now we go live to Elon Musk of SpaceX for a response:  Mr. Musk, what do you think? Bird, Lockheed laser, space alien, or Mr. Bezos?

What caused the explos... er, 'rapid combustion'?"


(http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/565472f0c28144c1018b4fa7/elon-musk-congratulates-jeff-bezos-for-his-amazing-rocket-landing-and-reminds-everyone-that-spacex-is-still-ahead.jpg)