SpaceX Starship Prototype Explodes During Test in Texas; No Injuries Reported
TEXAS: A SpaceX Starship rocket prototype exploded during a routine test at the company’s Starbase launch facility in Texas late Wednesday night, officials confirmed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to a statement shared by Cameron County authorities, the Starship 36 experienced a “catastrophic failure” shortly after 11 p.m. local time, resulting in an explosion during preparations for what would have been its tenth flight test.
SpaceX, led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, acknowledged the incident, saying the vehicle encountered a “major anomaly” while on the test stand.
Officials emphasized that there is no threat to nearby communities, though residents were advised not to approach the site while safety operations continue.
Starship: Key to Mars Mission
Located along the southern coast of Texas near the Mexican border, Starbase serves as the central hub for SpaceX’s groundbreaking work on Starship — the largest and most powerful rocket ever developed.
Standing at 123 meters (over 400 feet) tall, the fully reusable launch vehicle is a vital component of Musk’s vision to enable human colonization of Mars in the future.
However, the program has seen multiple testing setbacks. In late May, another Starship prototype exploded over the Indian Ocean during an earlier test flight. That launch had initially lifted off successfully but ended when the Super Heavy booster failed to land as planned, detonating mid-air.
Previous Launch Challenges
This recent failure adds to a growing list of testing hurdles. Two earlier missions also ended unsuccessfully, with upper-stage disintegration occurring over the Caribbean Sea.
Despite the challenges, SpaceX continues to push forward, aiming to develop a fully operational Starship system capable of long-distance space travel, including future lunar and Mars missions under partnerships with NASA.
