Particle.news

Download on the App Store

SpaceX Starship36 Explodes During Static Fire Test at Texas Starbase

Repeated test mishaps have drawn scrutiny to SpaceX’s timeline for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions.

Image
Image

Overview

  • The explosion occurred around 23:00 local time on June 18 as Starship36 underwent a static fire test in preparation for its tenth launch attempt at Starbase.
  • Safety protocols kept all personnel at a secure distance and prevented injuries despite the blast.
  • Residents reported shaking windows and a massive fireball visible in videos shared online.
  • This failure follows previous Starship test explosions, including a May 28 mishap during the ninth launch attempt.
  • SpaceX teams are collaborating with Texas authorities to secure the test site and assess damage.