WATCH: SpaceX Rocket Explodes in Giant Fireball After ‘Major Anomaly’

SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded in an enormous fireball at its Texas launch site late Wednesday, caused by what the company described as a “major anomaly.”

The explosion occurred around 11 p.m. local time during a static fire test at SpaceX’s Starbase facility, Elon Musk’s outpost at the southern tip of Texas. No one was injured, according to the company, and safety protocols were reportedly followed.

“A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,” SpaceX said in a statement posted on X.

It continued: “Our Starbase team is actively working to safe the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials. There are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, and we ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue.”

The rocket, touted as the most powerful ever built, is a central pillar of Musk’s vision to carry humans to the Moon, and eventually Mars. Wednesday night’s failure marks a setback just ahead of the program’s anticipated tenth uncrewed test flight and comes as the company has ramped up lobbying efforts in Washington while competing for future lunar and military contracts.

Watch above via X.