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SpaceX Starship Prototype Explodes During Static Fire Test in Texas

Investigators are examining a potential nitrogen COPV failure that caused the blast to determine when Starship might return to flight.

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Explosion occurred before a scheduled static-fire test of Ship 36 at Starship's testing site at Massey, Texas.  | Image: X
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Overview

  • The Starship upper stage, Ship 36, suffered a catastrophic failure during a static fire on June 18 at SpaceX’s Starbase facility with no injuries reported.
  • SpaceX described the event as a “major anomaly” and confirmed that a safety perimeter kept all personnel out of harm’s way.
  • Preliminary data suggest a nitrogen composite overwrapped pressure vessel in the payload bay failed below proof pressure, a first for this design.
  • The explosion inflicted heavy damage on both the prototype and its test stand, putting the scheduled late-June launch date into question.
  • SpaceX is working with federal regulators on a detailed investigation and plans necessary design upgrades before attempting the next Starship flight.