Image: @NASASpaceflight
SpaceX’s preparations for its highly anticipated tenth Starship test flight hit a fiery setback late Wednesday night, after “Ship 36” — the vehicle intended for the mission — exploded during a static fire test at the company’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET on June 18. According to SpaceX, a “major anomaly” took place while the vehicle was undergoing a routine engine firing sequence on the test stand. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and a safety perimeter had been established well in advance, ensuring all personnel remained safe. The company is now working alongside local officials to secure and “safe” the site.
While no official cause has been confirmed yet, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk noted on X (formerly Twitter) that preliminary data suggests a nitrogen COPV (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel) in the payload bay failed below its proof pressure — a first for this particular design.
Insane footage of the explosion quickly began circulating online, showing Ship 36 engulfed in flames — what SpaceX and spaceflight enthusiasts often refer to as a “Rapid Unplanned Disassembly” (RUD). Check out some of the footage below, courtesy of @NASASpaceflight:
SpaceX was previously eyeing a late June launch window for Starship Flight 10. Mere days ago, SpaceX shared video of the spacecraft undergoing a successful single-engine static fire test. The loss of Ship 36 throws a wrench into SpaceX’s roadmap for Starship’s development, potentially delaying Flight 10 and future orbital tests. This flight was expected to build on the growing momentum of recent successes as the company continues refining the fully reusable launch system.
While setbacks are a natural part of rocketry, the explosion marks a high-profile reminder of the complexity behind SpaceX’s ambitions. With increased oversight and investigation — both internal and from the FAA — likely to follow, it may be a while before Starship is cleared to take to the skies again.
