VIDEO: SpaceX Rocket Prototype Explodes During Test
A prototype of SpaceX’s Starship violently exploded in South Texas moments after a test-firing of its Raptor engine Friday, dealing a setback to the company’s next-generation reusable rocket program (: @SpacePadreIsle).
— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) May 29, 2020
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A prototype of the Starship spacecraft developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX has exploded in Texas. The incident occurred at the Boca Chica launch site near the Mexico border, according to Spaceflight Now.
The explosion happened two minutes after the Raptor engine was ignited. The rocket was completely destroyed, and there are no reports of any injuries.
Musk aims for Starship to replace the Falcon 9 rocket, whose launch from Florida's spaceport had been postponed just days earlier due to adverse weather conditions. The Starship is designed to transport cargo to the Moon and Mars, and then return to Earth.
This marks the third incident involving prototypes of the spacecraft.