SpaceX rocket explodes in new setback

A SpaceX Starship prototype, Starship 36, exploded during a routine static fire test at the company’s Starbase facility in Texas late Wednesday. The rocket experienced a “catastrophic failure” while secured to a test stand, though no injuries or hazards to nearby communities were reported. The incident marks the latest setback for Elon Musk’s goal of developing a reusable rocket for Mars colonization. Standing 123 meters tall, Starship is the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, The Guardian has reported. Despite multiple recent test failures, SpaceX continues its “fail fast, learn fast” approach, with support from NASA and increasing launch approvals from the FAA.