Explosion at SpaceX’s Starship launch site, days before critical rocket mission
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- An explosion occurred during a deluge test at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, where the company is preparing for a critical Starship rocket launch; the incident was livestreamed, showing a large plume and debris flying into the air.
- The deluge test involves spraying water at the rocket base to manage flames during launch, and the explosion caused the deluge system to shut down temporarily.
- No official launch date has been set for the next Starship flight test, but Elon Musk indicated it could happen within 4 to 6 weeks, potentially by mid-May unless delays occur.
- The upcoming test features an updated Starship, booster, and launchpad, aiming to advance the development of what SpaceX calls the most powerful rocket ever made, capable of delivering over 100 tons to low Earth orbit.
- SpaceX is developing Starship under a multi-billion dollar NASA contract for the Artemis program, which targets a moon landing by 2028, though the timeline faces challenges including technology development and competition from China.
