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Yes, I watched the YouTube video of the launch earlier this morning and heard the SpaceX spokesman first say that they had experienced a 'RUD', which he then explained what it meant. They also really seemed to push the idea that this was a totally successful flight, right up to the point where it blew-up. From the video it appeared that several of the engines in the first stage were not firing, you could clearly see 'missing' exhaust signatures when the rocket was moving directly away from the camera. Now with that many engines, I would assume that it was designed to still meet the mission goal with a few of the engines not operating. From what the video showed, it seemed to indicate that everything was working up to the point where they expected the second stage to separate from the booster. That apparently never happened. There was a great video shot from inside the top of the booster showing the engines of the second stage and they were showing that just before the explosion so I assume we were supposed to see the second stage engines ignite, but nothing happened, it was clear as as bell, but nothing, until the explosion.
OCU |
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