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walrus01 • 01/17/2025 • 2 replies • view on HN

the flight termination system is sort of a shaped charge that's designed to rupture the oxidizer and fuel tanks. Even if only a few % fuel remains, it'll be a big boom.


Replies

s1artibartfast • 01/17/2025

For context, The lower stage reportedly has 150 tons of propellant on board when it lands.

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enragedcacti • 01/17/2025

It wasn't FTS, it just blew up: https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1880033318936199643

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