SpaceX's Starship explodes on test stand while preparing for launch
Berlin: A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded while preparing for its 10th test flight in Texas late on Wednesday, media reports said, as images of a dramatic fireball emerged.
Starship 'experienced a major anomaly' while preparing for the test, SpaceX, which is headed by Elon Musk, posted on X.
All personnel were safe and accounted for, the company said.
'Our Starbase team is actively working to safe the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials. 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 said.
Starship - the largest rocket system ever built - was first tested in April 2023, when it exploded after a few minutes. Later tests saw the upper stage reach space and land under control in the Indian Ocean.
But since then, a number of tests have failed. (DPA)
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