Part of testing is pushing components way past their limits, so it's entirely possible that the team predicted a fiery end.

Dozens of startups working on data centers, mining and pharmaceuticals are hanging on Elon Musk's long-stalled megarocket.

A SpaceX Starship upper stage exploded during ramp-up to an expected engine test firing at the company's Starbase facility on the Texas Gulf Coast. It's an apparent major setback for the program.