Rockets & launch vehicles

108 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 2 of 2.

61. The physics of a booster that literally unzipped itselfOn January 17, 1997, a Delta II rocket underwent one of the most spectacular failures in aerospace history. This video breaks down the mechanics of how a solid rocket motor can sp…
62. A briefing on the latest developments in commercial and government spaceflightThis video provides a series of updates regarding recent rocket launch news and space industry developments, covering activities from SpaceX and NASA to Rocket Lab and Interstella…
63. The Raptor engine powers a vertical leap for the Starship HopperWhile SpaceX prepared for an ISS launch, space enthusiasts turned their attention to an unofficial test of the stainless steel Starship Hopper. Watch the moment the vehicle's Rapt…
64. Why RocketLab is pivoting toward reusable rockets using helicoptersRocketLab has long been a leader in small satellite launches, but they are shifting their strategy. This video explores the company's new plan to move away from expendable hardwar…
65. The final flight of the single-engine Starship HopperWatch the Starship Hopper demonstrate the power of the Raptor engine during its most significant flight above Texas, proving the engine's capacity for controlled vertical landings.
66. The chemical paradox of fuels that ignite on contactRocket designers often favor hypergolic propellants because they eliminate the need for complex ignition systems. This video explains the chemistry behind these fuels and the spec…
67. Why a single weld failure sent SpaceX's Starship Mk1 parts skywardWatch the moment a high-pressure tank test at Boca Chica turned into a spectacular failure, as the Starship Mk1 rocket's upper section ruptured and launched into the air.
68. The 72-second failure that ended the Delta III rocket's debutIn 1998, Boeing launched the Delta III to showcase a new era of heavy-lift capacity. Instead, the mission ended in disaster just over a minute into flight.
69. When rockets fail by collapsing inward instead of exploding outwardMost rocket failures involve catastrophic explosions, but some designs are prone to a different kind of disaster: implosion. This video explains the physics of balloon tanks and w…
70. Can a SpaceX Dragon reach the International Space Station in under eight hours?SpaceX is pushing the boundaries of orbital transit with its Crew-13 mission. By targeting a flight duration of just seven hours and fifty minutes from liftoff to docking, the mis…
71. SpaceX missions are evolving from agency-led research to diverse, record-breaking orbital journeysWhile NASA missions like Crew-13 push for record-breaking transit speeds to the International Space Station, private flights like Inspiration4 are redefining the purpose of orbita…
72. The humble ballistic missile that launched the American space ageAmerica's most frequently launched rocket began its life as a military weapon of limited reach. Originally designed as an intermediate-range ballistic missile, it was never intend…
73. A high-stakes week for the future of space explorationFrom Mars missions to experimental rocket tests, this summary covers a pivotal series of events in modern aerospace history. It highlights the progress being made by major players…
74. SpaceX engine tests and Hollywood's orbital ambitionsFrom Raptor engine firings in Boca Chica to Tom Cruise's plans for a movie on the International Space Station, explore this week's significant updates in space exploration.
75. Why SpaceX abandoned its most ambitious early spaceflight projectsExplore the final chapter of SpaceX's discarded ambitions. This video examines the specific reasons why several announced development projects were ultimately left behind in favor…
76. Why SpaceX is abandoning the mid-air catch for falling fairingsSpaceX has dismantled the massive nets on recovery vessels Ms Tree and Ms Chief. This video explores why the company is moving away from catching fairings in the ocean and what re…
77. Why rockets are designed to self-destruct before they ever reach their destination.Flight termination systems are essential safety mechanisms built into every rocket. While engineers hope they never have to be triggered, these systems must function with absolute…
78. Why SpaceX's debut Starship launch ended in a spectacular, unplanned destructionSpaceX attempted the first orbital flight of its Starship-Superheavy vehicle. The mission failed to reach orbit, resulting in a dramatic explosion. This video breaks down the tech…
79. Why Recent Spaceflight Testing Has Seen A String Of High-Profile Rocket FailuresSpace exploration is currently defined by both remarkable milestones and significant setbacks. This update examines recent test failures across major launch programs while highlig…
80. Can a rocket engine double as a heat shield to enable full reusability?Stoke Space is attempting to revolutionize space launch by building a fully recoverable rocket. By focusing on the second stage, they have developed a unique engine design that us…
81. Recent milestones in spaceflight from Falcon Heavy to India's crew capsule testingSpaceflight is evolving rapidly with new heavy-lift capabilities, the retirement of legacy launch vehicles, and international progress toward human spaceflight. This update covers…
82. SpaceX hits 90 launches as secret missile tests and new space experiments igniteScott Manley reviews the first two weeks of December in space exploration. From SpaceX reaching a massive launch milestone to unexpected military tests and the fiery progress of n…
83. SpaceX achieves a spectacular milestone with the second integrated flight of its massive rocket.The Starship and Superheavy system recently completed its second integrated flight test. While the launch provided the expected excitement and demonstrated the scale of this fully…
84. Bridging the gap between chemical power and electric efficiencyExplore the middle ground of space propulsion. This video examines electro-thermal rocket engines, a class of thrusters that sit between traditional chemical rockets and high-effi…
85. Did SpaceX's third Starship flight achieve success despite its fiery disintegration?Scott Manley breaks down the third flight of SpaceX's Starship. While the mission set new records, it ultimately ended in the destruction of the largest spacecraft in history over…
86. Japan's most powerful rocket shares a surprising lineage with American space historyJapan has achieved significant milestones in space, from ISS contributions to asteroid sample returns and recent lunar landings. This video explores the H-3 rocket, Japan's larges…
87. A Chinese rocket booster intended for static testing accidentally launched itself into the skySpace Pioneer attempted a routine static fire test of their Tianlong 3 rocket, a vehicle modeled after the SpaceX Falcon 9. Instead of remaining anchored, the booster broke free f…
88. Why flying a plane offers a better view of a SpaceX rocket launchScott Manley explains how piloting his own aircraft allows him to witness SpaceX launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base with greater clarity. By gaining altitude, he bypasses c…
89. Three distinct rocket systems suffer second stage failures in a single sequence of eventsRecent space news reveals a rare cluster of launch anomalies involving Ariane 6, Hyperbola, and Falcon 9. Scott Manley breaks down these second stage failures, assessing the varyi…
90. Is the new space race between private companies better for humanity's future?The successful 2018 launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket signaled a shift in space exploration. As private entities take the lead, we examine whether this transition from nati…
91. Step inside the SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft before its historic orbital journeyJoin four astronauts as they provide a guided tour of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience. This video offers a rare look at the interior of the spacecraft designed to transport crew…
92. Why did the latest Starship flight survive its ocean touchdown without exploding?Scott Manley examines the unexpected success of Starship Flight 13. While previous attempts faced engine failures and structural limitations, this mission defied expectations by r…
93. SpaceX's Starship prepares for a massive nine-hour orbital mission later this month.Scott Manley reviews the latest developments in spaceflight, from new orbital achievements in China and Europe to the evolving legal battles over Mars missions and the future of S…
94. How did the Vulcan rocket remain stable despite a major solid booster nozzle failure?During the second flight of the ULA Vulcan rocket, a Northrop-Grumman solid rocket motor suffered a nozzle failure. This video examines how the vehicle successfully continued its …
95. SpaceX replaces heavy rocket landing legs with a pair of giant mechanical armsDuring the fifth flight of the Starship and SuperHeavy system, SpaceX successfully tested a radical recovery method. Instead of relying on traditional landing legs and shock absor…
96. SpaceX Starship IFT6: Booster catch aborted, but orbital maneuvers succeed in daylightSpaceX's sixth Starship test flight aimed to repeat its booster landing maneuver, but technical warnings forced a change of plans. This review examines why the booster diverted to…
97. Blue Origin officially joins the elite club of orbital rocket operatorsBlue Origin has successfully launched its massive New Glenn rocket, reaching orbit on its first attempt. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the company, demonstrat…
98. What went wrong during the seventh flight of SpaceX's Starship and Superheavy?Following the sixth flight's failed booster catch, anticipation for the seventh mission was high. Instead of a successful recovery and orbital demonstration, the flight ended with…
99. Europe's first orbital rocket launch attempt ends in a rapid, nearby splashdown.Isar Aerospace recently attempted the first orbital launch from European soil. The mission ended abruptly when the booster lost control seconds after liftoff, crashing into the wa…
100. Why did Starship Flight 8 repeat the exact same failure as Flight 7?SpaceX's latest Starship test ended in a familiar disaster. By analyzing new footage, we can see how a fire in the engine bay led to a loss of control and the eventual destruction…
101. Could a single-launch, three-stage rocket reach the Moon like the Saturn V?Scott Manley analyzes whether modern spaceflight could bypass complex orbital refueling by adopting the classic Saturn V strategy. This video explores the feasibility of using a p…
102. SpaceX plans to reuse a caught Starship booster following its recent flight success.Scott Manley reviews recent aerospace milestones, including the historic Fram-2 mission and a major national security launch contract. This update highlights the rapid evolution o…
103. Why the future of space exploration might belong to miniature rocket enginesScott Manley explores the engineering behind the smallest rocket thrusters. Discover how miniaturizing propulsion systems can drastically reduce launch costs while maintaining the…
104. Starship Flight 9: A Milestone for Reusability Marred by Technical GlitchesScott Manley breaks down the recent Starship Flight 9 mission, which saw the Superheavy booster achieve a successful propulsive landing while the upper stage faced critical failur…
105. SpaceX Dragon and Varda return from space as new missions prepare for launchScott Manley provides a roundup of recent spaceflight news, covering rocket launches, mission failures, and the latest developments from SpaceX, Dawn Aerospace, and Axiom Space. T…
106. Spaceflight milestones: SpaceX hits 500 Falcon 9 launches while Rocket Lab breaks recordsScott Manley reviews recent spaceflight activity, including the 500th launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and new performance records set by Rocket Lab. This update provides a concise o…
107. SpaceX finally overcomes the V2 curse with a successful Starship flight 10After three consecutive mission failures, the latest Starship flight achieved every primary objective. This milestone marks a significant turnaround for the V2 program, demonstrat…
108. SpaceX concludes the V2 era as Starship prepares for its next major evolutionScott Manley reviews the final flight of the Starship V2 program. This mission successfully achieved all planned objectives without any unexpected failures, marking a clean transi…

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