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Anomaly Triggers Self-Destruct For SpaceX Falcon 9 Test Flight

SpaceMika (867804) writes "A SpaceX test flight at the McGregor test facility ended explosively on Friday afternoon. A test flight of a three-engine Falcon 9 Dev1 reusable rocket ended in a rapid unscheduled disassembly after an unspecified anomaly triggered the Flight Termination System, destroying the rocket. No injuries were reported." Update: 08/23 13:33 GMT by T : Space.com has video.

2 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. Re:So it works then? by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Actually, yes, I'd consider that a major display of responsibility. The very last thing I'd want a rocket to do when it goes out of control is to choose its own place to go kaboom. And yes, even for a manned rocket.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  2. Exactly! by EzInKy · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This really moves SpaceX up in my estimation as well. Until now, I pictured private space flight as focusing only on making profits, not sacrificing dollars in order to protect people around them. Maybe the privatization of space flight has a future after all!

    --
    Time is what keeps everything from happening all at once.