Late Wednesday night around 11 PM CT, SpaceX experienced a sudden explosion at the Massey’s Testing Center while preparing for a crucial static fire test of Ship 36. This test was part of the preparations for the upcoming 10th flight attempt of its Starship vehicle. Despite the dramatic incident, SpaceX confirmed that a safety perimeter was maintained throughout the operation, and all personnel are safe and accounted for. There are no hazards reported to residents in the nearby area of Starbase, Texas.
The incident occurred while the vehicle was being loaded with cryogenic propellant for a six-engine static fire—following a single-engine static fire earlier in the week. According to SpaceX’s official update, “a sudden energetic event resulted in the complete loss of Starship and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand.” The explosion also ignited several fires at the test site, which remains clear of personnel. Authorities have advised the public not to approach the area as safing operations continue and assessments are underway to ensure safety.
This explosion marks the latest in a series of setbacks during recent Starship testing, following similar incidents during the seventh, eighth, and ninth flight tests earlier this year. Initial analysis points to a potential failure of a pressurized tank called a COPV (composite overwrapped pressure vessel), which contains gaseous nitrogen in the nosecone area of Starship. However, SpaceX emphasizes that a full data review is still ongoing.
On social media, SpaceX described the event as a “major anomaly.” Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported, according to authorities and the company.
This particular flight test was set to continue with SpaceX’s advanced “V2” Starship design, which Elon Musk highlighted in 2023 as being more efficient—holding more propellant, reducing dry mass, and offering improved reliability. Meanwhile, SpaceX is also working on a new V3 design, which Musk claims is progressing toward a goal of weekly launches within the next year.
Stay tuned for updates as SpaceX investigates the cause of this explosion and charts the path forward for Starship testing and development.
