It seems like #SpaceX launched the largest rocket ever without any of the usual precautions regarding blast effects and possible debris in case of any failure.
A city covered in dust, concrete debris as big as bowling balls and cars that got hit. What a mess!
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/us/spacex-rocket-dust-texas.html
@pallenberg I am a NYTimes subscriber and I'm not a fan of Elon Musk, but this type of article is why it's difficult to support the Grey Lady.
This was an experiment designed to identify problems. Getting off the ground was estimated at 50%. Several of 33 engines didn't start so the rocket spewef fire close to the ground longer than expected, probably leading to debris.
Lots of more information not in the NYT article, happy to share what I know. A start is this article https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/04/so-what-was-that-was-starships-launch-a-failure-or-a-success/
@CubeThoughts @pallenberg There was absolutely zero justifiable reason not to have a flame trench and a water deluge system in place for a rocket of this size.
A flat slab of concrete under any rocket remotely close to this size will not work.
Sascha Pallenberg 🇹🇼 ♻️ ⚡
CubeThoughts
Adam Cook