Failed Again! Starship SN9 Rocket Explodes On Landing

Starshiip SN9 and SN10 rocket prototypes (Twitter @SpaceX)

JAKARTA - The second trial of SpaceX's Starship prototype failed. The rocket with serial number 9 or SN9 exploded after failing to land.

In fact, Elon Musk's space company will launch a new Starship prototype to reach an altitude of 10 kilometers or about 32,800 feet. This is the second launching after the previous trial last December when it launched SN8.

Initially, the launching of the rocket which was made of stainless steel went smoothly and managed to reach an altitude of 10 kilometers. But when the Starship rocket maneuvered into preparation for landing, it hit the ground too hard and exploded.

Live feed of Starship SN9 flight test → https://t.co/Hs5C53qBxb https://t.co/ioM0D5J91I

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 2, 2021

"We have to perfect the landing a little bit," said SpaceX launch commentator John Insprucker. "Remember, this is a test flight," as quoted from CNBC International, Wednesday, February 3.

Although SN9 exploded as it did with SN8, SpaceX confidently considered this test flight an upgrade. The next prototype, SN10 will be tested when SN9 has aired.

"We got a lot of good data and the main objective was to demonstrate the vehicle controllers and subsonic inclusion," said Insprucker.

In fact, the launch of the Starship aircraft will take place in Boca Chica, Texas last week. But the US Civil Aviation Administration (FAA) hasn't allowed it.

With Starship 9 exploding in trials this time, the FAA will supervise and investigate the accident. Even if the flight test is conducted unmanned, the FAA will identify the source of the problem causing the accident, allowing opportunities to further improve safety.