Posted by  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the grand scheme of human space programs in Russia and the United States, catastrophic failures are relatively rare. But they are often quite spectacular and make a big impression on the public and on the funding for space exploration. The explosions in the videos we’ve assembled here were very costly, some in terms of life, some in terms of lost equipment and all in terms of progress of the space programs.
Vanguard TV3 Fuel Tanks Explode
Dec. 6, 1957: The United States’ first attempt to launch a satellite into orbit was also its first failure. Two seconds after leaving the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, this rocket lost thrust and sank back down, rupturing and exploding its fuel tanks. It had reached a height of about 4 feet.
Though the rocket was destroyed, the Vanguard satellite it was carrying was thrown clear, its transmitters still signaling. The satellite is now on display at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum.
Video: NASA
Popularity: 7%
