A SpaceX rocket exploded live during a routine static test at a launch pad in Texas. The incident occurred during the inspection of Starship 36 at the Starbase test site owned by Elon Musk’s company. About this informs NASA.
A static fire test involves starting the engine or a group of rocket engines without taking it off the ground – the device is fixed on the launch platform at this time, and this is part of the pre-flight preparation. The SpaceX company confirmed that the rocket suffered a “serious anomaly” during the test.
NASA broadcast the event live, and on the footage, the commentators can be heard exclaiming:
“Wow! Starship 36 just exploded!”
SpaceX made a statement after the incident:
“During the operation, a safe zone was maintained around the facility, all personnel are safe and under control. There is no danger to the residents of nearby settlements, and we ask that everyone do not attempt to approach the area while security operations continue.”
Later, a video of the arrival of numerous fire engines at the scene appeared online. Residents of the nearby town of Port Isabel reported that the explosion was so powerful that windows in houses shook and dishes rattled. That blast came just weeks after another version of the 403-foot-tall missile exploded over the Indian Ocean.
