SpaceX’s Starship vehicle was destroyed in a fiery blast late Wednesday evening during a testing procedure at the company’s launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
At approximately 11 p.m. local time, SpaceX confirmed that “the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase,” according to a statement posted on X.
The company emphasized that safety protocols were in place during the event. “A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,” the statement continued. “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.”

Multiple livestreams covering activity at Starbase captured the moment the vehicle exploded, with footage circulating online shortly after the blast.
“Whoa! Whoa! No,” a startled voice is heard reacting in real time. “Oh, my God.” Text at the bottom of the broadcast indicated: “SpaceX is expected to perform a static fire test of ship 36. The second in this series of testing for flight 10.”
Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, responded with apparent nonchalance early Thursday morning. “Just a scratch,” he wrote on X.
{Matzav.com}