SpaceX aborted the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket only minutes before liftoff from Texas on Thursday.
The launch was automatically stopped as the rocket’s engines began powering up. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk later said that several engines had failed to start correctly.
Musk added that the company hoped to make another launch attempt within a few days.
Automatic Abort Stops Starship Launch
A livestream showed the Starship engines beginning their ignition sequence shortly before the launch was cancelled.
The exact cause of the problem was not immediately clear during the broadcast. However, Musk later confirmed that the vehicle’s automatic safety system had detected the engine issue and halted the countdown.
Automatic launch abort systems are designed to prevent liftoff when the rocket does not meet the required safety and performance conditions.
First Major Test Since SpaceX IPO
The cancelled flight was SpaceX’s first major Starship test since the company completed its high-profile initial public offering in June.
As a result, the aborted launch may attract increased attention from investors. Starship is SpaceX’s largest and most powerful launch vehicle, making its development central to the company’s long-term plans.
The rocket is intended to support missions to Earth orbit and could eventually play an important role in planned missions to the Moon and Mars.
Starship Continues to Face Engine Problems
The latest incident adds to a series of technical difficulties involving Starship’s engines.
The rocket’s 12th test flight in May also experienced engine-related issues. That mission later became the subject of an investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Recurring engine problems could delay future test flights and increase regulatory scrutiny as SpaceX works to demonstrate that Starship can operate safely and reliably.
SpaceX Shares Fall After Launch Abort
SpaceX shares dropped nearly 4% in after-hours trading following the cancelled test flight.
The decline extended the stock’s recent losses and pushed it to a new low since the company’s IPO.
SpaceX shares had already fallen below their initial offering price earlier in the week, reflecting growing investor concerns about valuation and the risks surrounding Starship’s development.
New Launch Attempt Could Come Within Days
Despite the setback, Musk indicated that SpaceX could try to launch Starship again soon.
The timing of the next attempt will depend on whether engineers can identify and fix the engine problem quickly.
Investors and space industry observers will now watch closely for technical updates, regulatory developments and confirmation of a new launch date.
