Setback for Elon Musk: SpaceX rocket explodes during test in Texas

New York. The "Starship" project of US billionaire Elon Musk's space company SpaceX has suffered another setback – this time before launch. The rocket exploded in a fireball during a test on Wednesday evening (local time) in Texas. A "major anomaly" occurred on the launch site's test facility, the company announced on the short message service X. All employees are safe.

Musk assured that there was no danger to the surrounding communities. However, SpaceX urged people in the area to stay away from the launch site. SpaceX is working with the authorities.

SpaceX is preparing for the tenth test flight of the world's largest rocket. Previous test flights have been plagued by mishaps, some of which involved spectacular explosions.

The Starship system boasts the most powerful rocket ever built. The launch stage alone operates with 33 engines. The US space agency NASA has ordered two Starships to land astronauts on the moon this decade. SpaceX intends to use Starship to transport people and supplies to the moon and ultimately to Mars.

RND/AP