Both SpaceX and Elon Musk have responded after one of SpaceX’s rockets exploded during a static fire test.
On Thursday, June 19, SpaceX’s Starship 36 was placed on the launch pad for a static fire test. During this test, the rocket’s engines were ignited to verify engine performance, check for leaks, and ensure the rocket’s systems are functioning correctly before an actual launch.
However, shortly after being fired up, Starship 36 violently exploded on the Texas launch pad, and a clip of it quickly went viral on X.
SpaceX and Elon Musk comment on Starship 36 explosion
Shortly after the mishap, Elon Musk joked that the massive explosion was “just a scratch” on the rocket. SpaceX, on the other hand, used X to explain the situation a bit more.
“On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase,” they said in a post.
“A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation, and 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.”
SpaceX added: “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.”
Starship 36 was set for a full launch at the end of June but has been delayed. There’s a clear reason that these rockets are tested before launch, seeing as this incident harmed no one despite the massive scale of the explosion.
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