BUSINESS

United States Starship launch abort deepens SpaceX slump

PUBLISHED Jul 18, 2026, 9:11 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

SpaceX aborted the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket on July 16 at the company’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, after multiple Raptor engines failed to ignite during the final second of the launch sequence. The flight computer automatically shut down all 33 engines when four failed to start, according to telemetry cited by Ars Technica. Elon Musk said two engines on the Super Heavy booster will be replaced, with another launch attempt targeted for early next week. The abort follows a sharp post‑IPO stock decline, with SpaceX shares down about 40% from mid‑June highs and over $1 trillion in market value erased.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

June 2026 SpaceX completes record-breaking initial public offering
Mid-June 2026 SpaceX stock peaks near $225
Recent weeks Short interest builds to $25 billion
Thursday SpaceX closes below IPO price first time
Friday Shares fall 5.43 percent to $123.99
July 16 Starship engines misfire trigger automatic abort
July 16 Telemetry shows four Raptor engines unlit
Early next week Company targets next Starship attempt

News Intelligence

If you're a SpaceX investor, this launch failure is a blow. It's part of why the stock price has dropped 40% since mid-June. If you're considering investing, it's a red flag. Check your portfolio and make informed decisions.