SpaceX Rocket Prototype Explodes In Test

The victim of a "major anomaly" earlier today, SpaceX's Starship SN4 prototype exploded during a test launch in Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX hoped to send the rocket 150 meters into the sky before it exploded. There are no reports of injuries as a result of the blast.

Caught by cameras during a live stream, the explosion happened following the rocket's fourth static fire test; however, they are still uncertain as to what caused the explosion. Personnel was cleared from the area before the test.

"Rest in peace, SN4," remarked a crew member on the live stream.

According to TechCrunch, "The goal was to fly this SN4 prototype for short distances following static fire testing, but that clearly won't be possible now, as the vehicle appears to have been completely destroyed in the explosion following Friday's test."

The explosion quickly made the rounds on Twitter, where a post by journalist Timothy Burke promptly made the rounds. "Elon, you rocket jet blew up," wrote Burke about SpaceX's controversial co-founder Elon Musk.

It is common for rockets to explode during testing. Several SpaceX Starship prototypes have exploded in the past, which is why these rockets are rigorously tested before launch.

The SN4 is separate from SpaceX's Commercial Crew launch set to launch this weekend. Its historic launch, initially planned for earlier this week but was postponed over weather concerns, will be the first of its kind: the first private vehicle to launch into space and the first to transport crews to the International Space Station.

The explosion may have stopped SN4, but it hasn't stopped the internet from doing its thing. Case in point: