An explosion has been captured at SpaceX ’s Starbase facility in Texas, where Elon Musk’s company is preparing to launch its Starship craft in a critical test of the world’s largest rocket. SpaceX was reportedly performing a deluge test, which involves shooting water at the base of the rocket to counter the massive flames during launch.

SpaceX is set to launch the 12th uncrewed test flight of its Starship rocket on Thursday, the debut of a redesigned vehicle central to Elon Musk's plans for the moon, Mars and the company's looming U.

Explosion at SpaceX’s Starship launch site, days before critical rocket mission - Upcoming flight test of the world’s biggest rocket is crucial for Nasa’s moon ambitions