Engine Fails to Start, SpaceX Cancels 13th Starship Test Flight

SpaceX facility in the United States. Photo: x @SpaceX)

SpaceX canceled the 13th Starship test flight just moments before the giant rocket took off from Starbase, Texas, Thursday. A number of engines on the initial booster failed to ignite so the automatic system stopped the launch.

Anadolu Agency reported on Friday, July 17, citing Space.com, that Starship was originally scheduled to launch at 18:45 Eastern United States time or 22:45 GMT.

The cancellation occurred when the first stage engine was turned on. SpaceX then ejected the rocket's propellant or propellant from the launch vehicle.

"Several engines did not ignite, triggering an automatic launch cancellation. Now we are emptying the propellant," SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said via the X platform.

Musk hopes that the next launch attempt can be carried out in a few days. However, SpaceX will first release and replace two Raptor engines.

"To ensure the flight goes well, two Raptor engines will be released and replaced. The most likely launch time is early next week," he said.