A SpaceX rocket exploded late Wednesday during a static fire test, which the company attributed to “a major anomaly.”
“On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase,” the aerospace company, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, wrote early Thursday in a post on social platform X.
“A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,” it added.
Footage of the incident at the Texas facility obtained by The Wall Street Journal showed an expansive explosion and large flames, with debris falling from the sky.
“Just a scratch,” Musk posted to X — which he also owns — without directly acknowledging the incident.
In May, another SpaceX Starship rocket spun out of control and broke up during a test flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later requested an investigation into the mishap.
The company on Thursday said the latest explosion left no hazards for residents in the area.
“Our Starbase team is actively working to safe the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials,” SpaceX wrote online.
“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,” it added.
