Source: Reuters : SpaceX Starship Rocket Explodes
SpaceX suffered another setback in its ambitious Mars program after its massive Starship rocket exploded during a test in Texas late Wednesday night. The explosion, which shook the area and lit up the night sky, marks the latest in a series of incidents for the spacecraft.
What Happened?
- The Starship rocket exploded around 11 p.m. local time at SpaceX’s Starbase site in Brownsville, Texas, as it was being prepared for its tenth test flight.
- SpaceX called it a “major anomaly”, but confirmed that all personnel were safe.
- The explosion was traced to a nitrogen COPV (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel) in the payload bay that failed during the test, according to Elon Musk.
- Videos captured at least two explosions, sending fiery debris across the site.
Why It Happened?
- Preliminary data suggests a structural failure in one of the nitrogen pressure vessels — a first for this design.
- This is the latest mishap in SpaceX’s campaign for reusable spacecraft that can carry humans to Mars.
What’s Expected?
- SpaceX is working with local, state, and federal authorities to assess the site and review environmental and safety impacts.
- This follows a series of incidents this year, including the disintegration of a Starship mid-flight in May and an earlier explosion in space, which led the FAA to halt flights and review corrective measures.
- SpaceX has implemented eight corrective steps from prior incidents, and the FAA confirmed their compliance before granting clearance for recent test flights.
The Bigger Picture
SpaceX Starship Rocket Explodes : Although setbacks have delayed Musk’s ambitious timeline, SpaceX remains committed to its goal of sending humans to Mars, making each test – successful or not – a crucial step in making space travel safer and more viable.
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