Science

Moment SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown

Elon Musk's SpaceX has successfully launched its Starship V3 rocket, which landed in a planned fiery explosion on Friday.

Published May 23, 2026, 3:03 AM
Updated May 23, 2026, 3:23 AM4.5K
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Moment SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown

Elon Musk's SpaceX has successfully launched its Starship V3 – the largest and most powerful rocket in history.

The test flight on Friday lasted about an hour and ended when Starship splashed down into the Indian Ocean and exploded as planned.

The launch went ahead a day after it was delayed due to a malfunctioning hydraulic pin in the launch tower.

The test flight achieved most of its major objectives but both stages of the rocket suffered engine failures.

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