Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX faced a major setback on March 6, 2025, when its latest Starship test flight ended in a midair explosion over the Caribbean Sea. The 400-foot rocket initially launched successfully from Boca Chica, Texas, with the Super Heavy booster completing a smooth return to the site. This early success highlighted SpaceX’s progress in reusable rocket technology. However, the victory was short-lived.
Engine Failure Sends Rocket Spinning Out of Control
Just eight minutes into the flight, engine malfunctions caused the spacecraft to lose control and spin wildly. Moments later, SpaceX lost contact, and the rocket broke apart midair, scattering debris across the sea. This failure comes just two months after a similar malfunction in January, which ended in a fiery explosion.
The explosion had a ripple effect on air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded flights at major Florida airports, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, to prevent potential collisions with falling debris. The halt lasted until 8 p.m. EST, causing delays and raising new concerns about the risks posed by these test missions.
The FAA has launched a full investigation to find out what went wrong, while SpaceX is also running its own review. The results of the current probe could delay future flights and raise doubts about Elon Musk’s bold plans for Mars missions and satellite projects.
How to Invest in SpaceX Stock
SpaceX is a private company, so retail investors cannot directly buy its shares. However, there are other ways to gain exposure. One option is investing in Tesla (TSLA), Elon Musk’s only publicly traded company. Another option is the ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX), led by Cathie Wood, a vocal supporter of Musk. This fund holds shares of SpaceX, offering indirect access to the company.
On Wall Street, analysts have maintained a neutral stance on Tesla stock. According to TipRanks, TSLA stock has received a Hold consensus rating, with 14 Buys, 11 Holds, and 10 Sells assigned in the last three months. The average TSLA stock price target is $351.48, implying an upside potential of 33.41%.
