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Experimental Air Force Rocket Launch Fails (theverge.com)
schwit1 writes: An experimental Air Force rocket, dubbed Super Strypi, failed seconds after launch. The launch was part of the Air Force's Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)-4 mission which aims to test small alternative launch vehicles. The Verge reports: "A small, experimental rocket meant to carry 13 communication satellites into space for the Department of Defense failed just one minute after launching from Hawaii last night, according to the US Air Force. Video footage of the event shows the rocket spiraling out of control as it falls back down to Earth, leaving a crooked contrail in its wake. This was the first flight ever for this kind of vehicle — known as a Super Strypi rocket — as well as the first rocket launch attempt from the Hawaiian Islands."
The rocket spins like that during the ascent for stability. When I saw the footage, I thought that it might not be spinning fast enough. This rocket did not have a guidance system. Have a look at a sounding rocket spinning during the ascent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTfgOYb1Fn8
Yeah, it literally says IN THE VIDEO HE LINKED that it's spin stabilized. For those who don't know, spinning something puts energy into an object without changing the trajectory. More energy means it's harder to change direction. That's why rifled bullets spin.
Experimental rockets often carry payloads, in fact it's better if they do because a) they don't have to carry ballast in order to mimic operational weight and CG, and b) they can partially defray the costs of the development program and launch campaign.
Not that they charge much, and the payloads are not often insured, so it's usually University and High School and NGO satellites or experiments. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the space was donated.
I can see the fnords!