Dramatic livestream footage has captured the moment a SpaceX starship rocket exploded late last night while preparing for a test.
According to SpaceX, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a “major anomaly” at around 11pm local time while on a test stand at Starbase, Texas.
The footage shows the rocket engulfed disappear in a blinding flash of light, which is followed by a towering fireball as debris is sent soaring into the air.
Early reports indicate that the incident occurred just before Ship 36 was to undertake a critical “static fire test” – a procedure where the rocket’s engines are ignited while the vehicle remains attached to the launch mount.
In a statement, SpaceX said that a “safety clear area” around the site was maintained throughout the operation and that “all personnel are safe and accounted for”.
“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,” the company said.