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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.

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.