On This Day in Science History - July 3

July 3, 1969 was supposed to be the day the Soviets launched their new N1 rocket. The N1 was their largest rocket design and their answer to the United States' Saturn V rocket. It was just under 350 feet tall. 30 engines in the first stage gave a thrust of almost 10 million pounds and could lift 95 tons of cargo. At least, that was the plan.

Shortly after liftoff a loose bolt fell into the fuel pump and immediately destroyed the pump. 29 of the 30 engines automatically shut down, stalling the rocket. 23 seconds later, the 1,780 tons of liquid oxygen and 680 tons of kerosene fuel exploded, destroying the rocket and the launchpad. This spectacular explosion was the largest rocket explosion to date.

The N1 design never successfully launched and crippled the Soviet efforts to place a man on the moon. Find out what else occurred on this day in science history.