A fourth prototype of SpaceXs next-generation Starship rocket exploded Friday after a test at the companys development facility in Texas.
The company was conducting a trial of the rockets engine, in a test on the ground known as a static fire. A few minutes after the test, which initially appeared successful, the Starship prototype identified as Serial Number 4 ruptured in a fiery explosion.
This prototype is distinct from the companys Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, which this weekend is set to launch NASA astronauts from Florida. That rocket system has previously launched satellites and cargo to space successfully dozens of times, after years of development and testing.