SpaceX’s highly anticipated Starship program suffered a setback as a massive explosion occurred during a routine static fire test.
The incident took place at the company’s testing facility in Texas, delaying the rocket’s upcoming launch.
The static fire test is a critical phase in spacecraft development, where all engines are fired while the rocket remains anchored to ensure system reliability. The explosion raises concerns about engineering challenges that SpaceX must overcome before launching Starship, designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built and a key vehicle for future Mars missions.
The SpaceX team is currently assessing the extent of the damage while working on adjustments to the rocket’s design. Despite the delay, CEO Elon Musk remains optimistic, reaffirming the company’s commitment to achieving full operational readiness.
This event marks another hurdle in the ambitious journey of Starship, which has captured global interest for its potential to revolutionise space travel. Experts predict a revised test timeline in the coming weeks, ensuring the rocket’s safety and performance meet NASA and industry standards.