Last week’s explosive Starship test launch by SpaceX was a truly mesmerizing event, and now we have the privilege of reliving it through remarkable, close-up footage.
Renowned blogger Tim Dodd, known as “Everyday Astronaut,” has released an extraordinary video showcasing the monumental spacecraft launch from multiple perspectives. However, the most awe-inspiring segment occurs halfway through the video when an ultra-high-definition tracking camera captures the rocket’s majestic ascent and subsequent downfall against a pristine Texan sky.
At approximately the 7:30 minute mark, an 8K tracking camera begins following the rocket as it propels into the heavens, spirals out of control, and eventually meets its explosive fate. As we discovered last week, the explosion showcased so magnificently in the video was, in fact, an intentional action orchestrated by SpaceX. In a statement released after the prototype’s test flight, the company revealed that following the rocket’s climb to a height surpassing 24 miles, “the vehicle experienced multiple engines out during the flight test, lost altitude, and began to tumble.”
Consequently, “the flight termination system was commanded on both the booster and ship.” In simpler terms, the spacecraft was purposely destroyed after deviating from its intended trajectory.
Although this particular phase of the rocket’s inaugural journey proceeded according to plan, numerous aspects did not. The launch generated copious amounts of debris, leaving an unsightly layer of grime on the adjacent town and puncturing a hole in SpaceX’s launchpad. The mishap even resulted in a fire breaking out in a nearby state park.
