A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a routine test at the company’s Starbase facility in Texas late Wednesday night, officials confirmed. The Starship 36 experienced a “catastrophic failure” shortly after 11 p.m., but no injuries were reported.
SpaceX stated the rocket was preparing for its 10th test flight when a major malfunction occurred on the test stand. A safety perimeter was in place, and all personnel are safe. Authorities assured that there’s no risk to nearby residents and asked the public to avoid the area.
The 123-meter-tall Starship, the world’s largest rocket, is central to Elon Musk’s Mars colonization plans. This marks another setback after similar explosions in May and previous failed tests.