On Wednesday night around 11 PM CT, SpaceX prepared to conduct a static fire test of its Starship Ship 36 at the Massey’s Testing Center. The plans were abruptly interrupted by a significant explosion at the site. In a statement, SpaceX affirmed that a safety perimeter had been established and that all personnel are safe and accounted for, with no risks posed to residents near the company’s Starbase, Texas facility.
According to an update from SpaceX, the incident occurred while the vehicle was preparing for a six-engine static fire test after successfully completing a single-engine test earlier that week. The statement noted that an unexpected energetic event led to the total destruction of the Starship and caused damage to the area surrounding the launch stand. Fires ignited from the explosion, and SpaceX has stated that the test site remains clear of personnel until it is deemed safe for inspection. It is advised that no one approach the area during ongoing safety operations.
The explosion adds to a history of similar incidents during the previous seventh, eighth, and ninth Starship flight tests conducted earlier this year. SpaceX indicated that preliminary analyses suggest a failure in a pressurized tank known as a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV), which contained gaseous nitrogen in the nosecone area of the Starship. The company labeled the explosion a “major anomaly” on the social media platform X.
Fox 26 Houston reported no injuries have been reported, according to local authorities. SpaceX also confirmed that all personnel are unharmed.
The intended flight test was set to continue using SpaceX’s “V2” Starship design, which Elon Musk noted in 2023 improves reliability by holding more propellant and reducing dry mass. Additionally, SpaceX is working on a new “V3” design, which Musk claims aims to achieve a launch rate of once per week within a year.
Update, June 19th: Additional information has been provided by SpaceX.
