The incident occurred just as the FAA lifted its daytime launch curfew following the recent government shutdown. SpaceX argued that by scattering debris across the launch site, they were efficiently testing the entire area at once rather than checking one square foot at a time.

“Gravity is our toughest customer, and today we delivered the product to the ground faster than anyone else,” said Tara Torch, Director of Rapid Disassembly. “If the rocket had stayed in the air, we would have been very confused.”

At publishing time, Elon Musk was reportedly seen charging admission to the smoking crater, calling it an “interactive puzzle experience.”

Inspired by actual events.