A test of a SpaceX rocket in Texas ended in catastrophe when the Starship exploded, generating a substantial fireball visible from afar. The incident occurred around 11pm on Wednesday (2pm AEST Thursday) while the rocket was on the test stand at SpaceX’s launch facility in Starbase, located in the southern region of Texas.
SpaceX later confirmed the explosion, labelling it a “major anomaly,” via a post on social media platform X. Fortunately, all personnel remained safe and accounted for, as the company had maintained a safety buffer zone around the site during the test operation.
This explosion follows a series of mishaps involving the Starship program. In January, another rocket disintegrated during what SpaceX termed a “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” with debris landing perilously close to the Caribbean. Subsequently, in March, the company lost contact with a Starship during a test flight, resulting in additional wreckage scattered over Florida.
On March 27, another Starship rocket, measuring 123 metres, spiralled out of control after launch and ultimately broke apart. Successful satellite deployment was hindered when the rocket’s door failed to open correctly, leading to an erratic descent and an uncontrolled landing in the Indian Ocean. Despite these setbacks, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk described the March launch as a notable improvement compared to previous tests and aimed for an increased launch frequency, with plans for a Starship lift-off every three to four weeks.
In light of Wednesday night’s explosion, SpaceX assured nearby communities that there were no hazards stemming from the incident. The company is collaborating with local authorities to address the aftermath of the explosion and continues to focus on advancing its testing program.
This incident marks yet another challenge for SpaceX’s ambitious plans for the Starship, a key component in its goal for space exploration and potential missions to Mars. As investigations into the explosion proceed, the future of the Starship program hangs in the balance, highlighting the complex and often dangerous nature of aerospace innovation.