SpaceX's Starship explodes in test, Musk calls it 'just a scratch'
June 19 (UPI) -- A SpaceX heavy-lift Starship launch vehicle exploded late Wednesday during a preflight procedure at Starbase in Texas as the company tested its upper stage.
The company has not made public the cause of the explosion, and in a post on X, CEOI think Elon Musk called it "Just a scratch."
The two-stage rocket exploded about 11 p.m. CDT Wednesday as it was preparing for its 10th flight, SpaceX said in a statement on X. Both X and SpaceX are owned by Elon Musk.
The spaceship is composed of two reusable sections, the first-stage booster named Super Heavy and the upper-stage spacecraft known as Starship or just Ship.
It was the Ship that exploded into a huge fireball while on a test stand at Starbase's Massey site. It was being tested to prepare for the Starship's upcoming 10th flight test.
The Texas-based company said the Starship had "experienced a major anomaly."
"A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for," a statement said.
The explosion happened during a static-fire test. That test briefly ignites rocket engines while the Starship is anchored to the ground. The explosion was the latest in a series of setbacks involving Starship upper stages.
The Ship section broke apart during the last three Starship test flights in January, March and May 2025.
SpaceX has not publicly released a launch date for a 10th Starship test flight.
Video of the explosion posted online shows the spacecraft was on the ground when it exploded. The spacecraft is seen idling while steam and smoke billow around its base. Then, a large flash is seen followed by a huge fireball being ejected into the air.
SpaceX said it was working with local authorities at the test site.
"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.
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