An experimental rocket designed to launch 13 communication satellites into space failed only one minute after launch from Hawaii, according to the U.S. Air Force.
A video depicting the event shows the rocket spiraling toward the ground and leaving a crooked contrail behind it. This launch was the first-ever for this particular kind of rocket, called "Super Strypi," and was also the first from Hawaii.
The launch itself was a part of the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)-4 mission, with these missions being aimed at testing smaller launch vehicles to see if the government can use them to launch satellites into space for a much lower cost and with shorter planning times. The Super Strypi was being tested to see if it could meet the requirements.
The Super Strypi itself is a repurposed rocket from the Cold War era, and it was built by the U.S. Department of Energy. It was also used during nuclear testing programs in the '60s. This particular vehicle is estimated to have cost between $15 and $16 million, which might sound like a lot but isn't that much considering the Atlas V, which is the military's main rocket for launching satellites, costs around $225 million.
Unfortunately, it seems like the Super Strypi might not be best used for launching satellites into space, or at least not until it undergoes more development so it will be able to save a lot of money.
The ORS-4 mission was originally set to take place in October 2013, however, it had to be pushed to November 2014 and then to January 2015 before it was finally set for Nov. 3, 2015.
Only time will tell exactly what the Air Force ends up using to save money in satellite launches. According to the Air Force, the main objective of the launch was to see if the total mission time could be compressed into only 21 days. It's not yet known this objective was met.
Via: The Verge
