Another SpaceX Starship, the Starship 36, suffered a “catastrophic failure and exploded” at the Starbase launch facility shortly after 11:00 pm (0400 GMT Thursday).
This was revealed in a Facebook post by the Cameron County authorities. A video was also shared with the post showing the megarocket attached to the launch arm, and then a flash and a towering, fiery explosion.
About The Rocket
According to SpaceX, the rocket was preparing for the tenth flight test when it “experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase,” without elaborating on the nature of the complication.
“A safe, clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for.
“There are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, and we ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue.” SpaceX said on social media.
The explosion is said to have occurred during a “routine static fire test,” according to the Cameron County authorities.
Latest in a Series of Explosions
The latest setback follows an explosion of a prototype Starship over the Indian Ocean in late May. The Starship which had been referred to as the biggest and most powerful launch vehicle ever built had lifted off on May 27 from the Starbase facility, before the first-stage Super Heavy booster blew up instead of executing its planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.
There has however been some progress with the SpaceX project as NASA increasingly relies on SpaceX, whose Dragon spacecraft is vital for ferrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in early May approved an increase in annual Starship rocket launches from five to 25, stating that the increased frequency would not adversely impact the environment overruling objections from conservation groups who had warned the expansion could endanger sea turtles and shorebirds.
