SpaceX’s Starship 36 was counting down to its 10th test flight when it exploded at its launch site in Texas.
SpaceX: ‘Major anomaly’
Most test flights conducted by the aerospace giant at least get off the ground.
SpaceX called the incident a “major anomaly”.
The gigantic rocket exploded during takeoff procedures shortly after 11pm (Central Time).
A huge fireball lit up the night sky, visible for many miles.
No hazard to local residents
SpaceX reassured local residents there was no danger to them and warned them not to approach the site.
A clean-up project is taking place, according to the space firm, which says it is collaborating with local officials to make the area safe.
Videos posted to social media showed the response to the incident, with fire crews racing to the scene.
Another blow for Musk
The incident marks yet another headache for Musk following his public spat with the US president and other rocket failures over the last few weeks.
The Starship project seeks to get humans to Mars, with ambitions to eventually create a civilisation on the red planet.
