A SpaceX Starship prototype, Ship 36, erupted in a massive fireball during a routine engine static fire test late Wednesday night at the company’s Starbase facility in Texas, prompting an emergency response and launching a full-scale investigation into the cause of the explosion.
The incident occurred around 11 pm CT, when the spacecraft, designated for an upcoming tenth flight test, suddenly exploded while undergoing ground testing. Dramatic footage of the explosion was captured live, showing flames engulfing the test stand and sending debris into the air.
In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), SpaceX confirmed a “major anomaly” occurred during the test and assured that “all personnel are safe and accounted for.” The company added that emergency protocols were immediately activated and that a safety perimeter had been in place throughout the operation.
Emergency Response Activated, Investigation Underway
The Cameron County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office confirmed in a Facebook post that Ship 36 had “suffered a catastrophic failure and exploded” shortly after 11 pm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“This was Ship 36’s second static fire test, a crucial procedure designed to simulate launch conditions and assess engine performance,” the constable’s office added. “Emergency protocols were quickly enacted, and an investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the incident.”
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SpaceX’s Starbase team is currently coordinating with local officials to secure the test site and surrounding areas. The company has urged residents and the public to avoid approaching the vicinity while “safing operations” are carried out.
Though no structural damage to surrounding infrastructure has been reported, the blast is expected to delay the timeline for Starship’s tenth test flight, which had been eagerly anticipated in the aerospace community.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has been conducting a series of high-risk tests as part of its ambitious Starship program, aimed at eventually enabling interplanetary travel, including missions to the Moon and Mars.
