SpaceX Aborts Starship Test Flight as Engine Issue Delays Launch

SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) called off the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket just minutes before its scheduled liftoff from its Texas launch site on Thursday after an engine-related issue triggered an automatic abort.

CEO Elon Musk said several of the spacecraft’s engines failed to ignite as expected during the startup sequence, prompting the onboard safety system to halt the launch. Musk later said the company is aiming to make another launch attempt "hopefully in a few days."

A livestream of the event showed the countdown reaching the final moments before the engines began firing. However, the launch was automatically aborted just as ignition started. SpaceX has not yet provided additional technical details explaining what caused the malfunction.

The canceled mission marks the company’s first major Starship test since its highly anticipated initial public offering in June. The delay represents a setback for SpaceX as Starship remains the centerpiece of its long-term ambitions, including missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, and eventually Mars.

The latest incident also adds to a series of technical challenges facing the massive launch vehicle. During Starship’s 12th test flight in May, the rocket experienced engine-related problems that ultimately prompted an investigation by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The recurring issues highlight the engineering hurdles SpaceX continues to face as it develops the world’s most powerful rocket system.

Investor sentiment weakened following the aborted launch. SpaceX shares fell nearly 4% in after-hours trading, extending recent losses and reaching fresh post-IPO lows. The stock had already slipped below its IPO price earlier this week, reflecting growing concerns over the company’s near-term execution and the pace of Starship’s testing program.

Despite the setback, SpaceX has historically moved quickly to resolve technical issues between test flights. Market participants will now be watching closely for updates on the next launch window and whether the company can successfully address the engine problems before attempting another Starship flight.