![]() | This was the first firing of the C-II motor, which was an unsuccessful test . The pressure in the motor became excessive, causing a safety bolt to shear. The head blew off, resulting in the motor flying out of the test stand, and the burning mass of propellant to be expelled. In this photo, a ball of burning propellant is visible, just above the horizon, and the tossed motor can be seen some distance above it. |