this post was submitted on 18 Nov 2023
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So the booster worked in that it achieved lift off and properly separated. Did the other stages complete their jobs? Because this looking like it's only a failure in the sense that the booster didn't do the cool we-live-in-the-future part of flipping itself over and landing.
The main focus of this test was stage separation. In that sense it was a roaring success. Also, looks like they managed not to trash the landing pad this time. So that will make it easier to get the next flight approved. But clearly there's still a long way to go.
Also demonstrated the flight termination systems, for both stages, it seems.
It appears they got their engine development under control too. Every one lit and burned effectively full duration, on both stages.
So basically they've fixed every issue displayed in the first flight I'd say.
Still some work to do in the not-blow-up department, though.
I mean, the entire purpose of the "blow up the ship" system is to blow it up, so that part worked correctly
Nope. Blew up uncontrolled.
Yes, but they blew up correctly. What they are saying is it is all new issues and the old ones are fixed. This is good for test vehicles.
Just for anyone wondering what blew up correctly means. The flight termination system didn't work properly on the 1st launch. Starship and the booster didn't separate and it tumbled in the air for too long. That puts people at risk as it might go out of the safe area.
This time, when whatever went wrong went wrong, the system triggered properly and both vehicles blew up.