A SpaceX Starship rocket experienced a major explosion during a static fire test at the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas on Wednesday night. The dramatic incident, caught on multiple livestreams, sent a massive fireball into the night sky. The explosion occurred around 11 p.m. local time as the Starship was preparing for its tenth flight test.
In a statement released shortly after the incident, SpaceX confirmed the explosion and assured the public that all personnel were safe and accounted for. They emphasized that a safety clear area was maintained around the site throughout the operation and that there were no hazards to residents in surrounding communities. The company also requested that individuals refrain from approaching the area while safing operations continue.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, responded to the explosion with characteristic brevity and humor. Early Thursday morning, he posted on X, calling the incident "Just a scratch." While the explosion appears significant, Musk's comment suggests that the damage may be less severe than it initially seems.
The incident occurred during a static fire test of Ship 36, the second in a series of tests for flight 10. A livestream captured the moment of the explosion, with audible reactions from observers. "Whoa! Whoa! No," one person can be heard saying. "Oh, my God."
Authorities, including the Cameron County Constable Precinct 1, are monitoring the situation. The White House is reportedly reviewing SpaceX contracts. This event follows previous incidents and heightened scrutiny of SpaceX's operations. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway.
What Does This Mean for Future Starship Launches?
This latest setback raises questions about the timeline for future Starship launches. While SpaceX has made significant progress in developing its next-generation rocket, the program has also faced numerous challenges and delays. The investigation into the cause of the explosion will be crucial in determining the path forward and ensuring the safety and reliability of future Starship missions.
Stay tuned to NewsRPT for further updates as this story develops.