It seems that the top of the booster fell off when the booster tipped over after a wave hit the droneship. Hopefully not typical.

The bottom portion (RP-1 tank), the landing legs, and the engines stayed on the ship. Octagrabber sustained some damage.

Photos from various Florida Spaceport photographers:

Videos from NSF Space Coast Live:

  • threelonmusketeersOPM
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    11 months ago

    Close-up video from USLaunchReport.

    Updates:

    SpaceX VP of Launch provides some interesting info on landing legs: https://nitter.net/turkeybeaver/status/1739640175183945860

    Super disappointing and sad to lose booster 1058.

    Tippy boosters occur when you get a certain set of landing conditions that lead to the legs having uneven loading. Heavy wind or sea state then cause the booster to teeter and slide which can lead to even worse leg loading. In this state, securing with the OG is super challenging and often only partial successful

    We came up with self leveling legs that immediately equalize leg loads on landing after experiencing a severe tippy booster two years ago on Christmas (first flight of 1069). The fleet is mostly outfitted, but 1058, given its age, was not. It met its fate when it hit intense wind and waves resulting in failure of a partially secured OG less than 100 miles from home.

    One thing is for sure… we will make lemonade out of lemons and learn as much as possible from historic 1058 on our path to aircraft like operations.