Asger Risom
A powerful SpaceX rocket erupted into flames during a test in Texas, the latest in a string of high-profile failures.
A Starship rocket exploded during a routine test at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, marking another setback in Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to send humans to Mars.
The vehicle was preparing for its tenth flight when it suffered what the company called “a major anomaly.” No injuries were reported.
SpaceX said in a statement on X that safety protocols were in place and all personnel remained secure during the incident.
Repeated failures under scrutiny
According to Digi24, the explosion comes just weeks after a similar test in May ended in disaster.
That launch had successfully reached space before the Starship craft exploded during its planned descent. Prior attempts in January and March also failed early in flight, with the upper stage of the rocket breaking apart and scattering debris over the Caribbean.
Standing nearly 40 stories tall, Starship is the most powerful rocket ever built.
Its development is central to Musk’s long-term goal of colonizing Mars and plays a key role in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon.
Pressure builds ahead of Artemis missions
Despite the setbacks, Musk remains optimistic. Following the May explosion, he said on X that “the next three” tests would occur at a pace of one every three to four weeks.
A modified version of the Starship is scheduled to support Artemis missions, underscoring the rocket’s importance for future U.S. space exploration.
Still, repeated failures raise questions about the timeline and feasibility of both commercial and governmental plans relying on Starship. For now, Musk’s Mars dream faces another delay—this time, again, from a fiery launchpad failure.