A common question I've been asked over the years is, "Where does space begin?"
The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the standard most of the world recognizes, says it's at 100 km (62 miles).
When the #SpaceX #Starship began entry, the camera on the grid fin showed a red plasma glow begin at an altitude of 100 km!
That was pretty cool. Thank you, science.
#SpaceX just made the call -- #Starship was lost on entry at an altitude of 65 km.
All in all, an incredibly successful test. The SpaceX approach has always been to accept failure during testing, to learn and go faster.
They also said that today is the 22nd anniversary of the company's founding. Even though Elon has "issues" these days, there's no doubt that he changed the future of American spaceflight.
@WordsmithFL They pushed back the entire Artemis program because Peon can't get this rocket working.
@MichaelTalon Not really true. Artemis is running behind because SLS is extremely expensive and inefficient. The only reason #NASA selected #Starship for its first lunar landing was that no one else was even close. Blue Origin and their partners are even farther behind.
NASA always gives optimistic timelines to placate Congress.
@WordsmithFL
Good Morning π
@WordsmithFL
The way it was rotating; it may have triggered the termination system. I think there was 4 starlink antenna on Starship.
#Space #NASA
Spaceflight Now has begun their livestream of the #SpaceX #Starship launch attempt from Boca Chica TX. Now targeting 8:30 AM EDT / 7:30 AM CDT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfnkZFtHPmM