Launchpad upgrades imminent after SpaceX’s rocket blast pummeled site

Elon Musk’s SpaceX will use for its next rocket launch a water-cooled steel plate that can withstand the world’s most powerful liftoff after the debut attempt of its Starship rocket to reach space caused extensive launchpad damage.

The giant spacecraft exploded 37 km in the sky, minutes after liftoff in an uncrewed test flight on Thursday.