Why do SpaceX rockets take off white and come back black and white?

If you’ve ever seen footage of a SpaceX rocket launch, perhaps you’ve noticed a strange phenomenon… When the rocket leaves the launch pad, it’s white…

But when it comes back down from space all of a sudden it’s half black and white… and it has these really well defined sections of black and white.

What is happening? What causes this?

Today we’re going to take a deep dive into the subject of cryogenic rocket propellants and THEN we’re going to play with fire, because SCIENCE!!! In our very first “do not try this at home” demonstration, to help teach you just what exactly is going on during these launches!

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Prochain épisode

S02E73 - A conversation with Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck