Successful SpaceX Starship 12 launch ends with spectacular fireball
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship 12 rocket, marking a significant milestone in its space program. The launch concluded with a planned fireball explosion as the rocket splashed down in the Indian Ocean. This test run is part of preparations for future missions, including sending astronauts to the moon.
- ▪The Starship 12 rocket launched at around 6:30 p.m. EST and was deemed a success by SpaceX.
- ▪The fireball explosion was planned, as the experimental spacecraft is not intended for reuse.
- ▪The launch cost the rocket one of its six new 'Raptor' engines, requiring adjustments to the remaining engines.
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Tech Successful SpaceX Starship 12 launch ends with spectacular fireball By Ella Morrison Published May 22, 2026, 8:44 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google SpaceX’s Starship 12 rocket had a successful launch Friday night, before concluding its test run around the Earth with a planned fireball explosion as it splashed down in the Indian Ocean. The rocket’s launch — the largest and most powerful of its kind — took place at around 6:30 p.m. EST and was deemed a success by SpaceX. A planned launch was aborted Thursday night. Associated Press/youtube SpaceX confirmed that the fireball eruption was planned since they don’t plan on reutilizing the experimental spacecraft.
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