The exact cause is unknown and we will have to wait until the SpaceX led investigation is complete. This was a prototype test flight, failures are a part of testing.

Final telemetry at T+9:38: 20401km/h, 134km—1000km/h slower & 10km lower than Ship 33 on Flight 7.

FTS was not triggered (safed). The likely RUD cause, based on what is available, is an engine bay fire in the skirt attic tied to top-left RVAC failure. This fire may have spread, leading to the explosion and loss of control.

Launch control video suggests the top-left RVAC exploded, taking out the 3 center engines. A hot spot was seen at T+ 3:33 post-stage separation, hinting at early RVAC issues. Ship 34 yawed right at T+7:55, suggesting underperformance.

At T+7:45, fire an appeared from the top-left RVAC nozzle. Gas also appeared to be venting from the Sea Level Raptors as the engine bay glowed red.

I’d be happy to discuss this. Perhaps you could send me a DM on X @ spacecoastwest ?

I doubt it…

Already done.