SpaceX will try again to launch its mega rocket into orbit after first attempt ended in an explosion

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX is aiming for another test flight of its mega rocket on Friday after getting final approval from federal regulators. After the self-destruct system blew up the rocket over the Gulf of Mexico, SpaceX made dozens of improvements to the nearly 400-foot rocket and to the launch pad, which ended up with a large crater beneath it. No one was injured in the first attempt, but the pad was heavily damaged as the rocket’s 33 main engines ignited at liftoff. Wildlife and environmental groups sued the FAA over what they considered to be the FAA’s failure to fully consider the environmental impacts of the Starship program near Boca Chica Beach.