Register

SpaceX’s Starship Rocket Explodes Minutes After Launch

By Elon Musk’s standards, Thursday’s test flight was “a success.”

SpaceX called the event a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.” [Credit: SpaceX]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever, exploded minutes into its uncrewed orbital test flight after launch, with the exact cause remaining unclear.
  • Despite the "rapid unscheduled disassembly," SpaceX and Elon Musk considered the test a success, emphasizing the valuable data gained and the intact launchpad.
  • This test is crucial for Starship's ambitious mission to transport humans to the Moon for NASA by 2025 and eventually to Mars.
See a mistake? Contact us.

SpaceX’s long-awaited test launch of Starship—the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed—both started and ended in flames.

The 400-foot-tall rocket and booster departed the company’s Starbase launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas, bombastically, leaving a trail of ignited propellant in its wake.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE