Yesterday evening at Starbase, Texas, SpaceX experienced a dramatic failure when its latest Starship prototype, known as Ship 36, detonated during preparations for a routine static-fire engine test. The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. CT as the vehicle’s cryogenic propellant tanks were being filled and engineers were preparing to ignite all six Raptor engines. A sudden rupture triggered a massive fireball that engulfed the test mount and scattered debris across the facility. Video footage captured flames towering into the night sky, while emergency crews and local authorities swiftly sealed off the test area; thankfully, no injuries were reported.
SpaceX promptly issued a statement confirming the explosion occurred during propellant loading and stressed that all personnel remained safe within an established exclusion zone. The company coordinated closely with local emergency teams to secure the site and advised the public to maintain distance while safing protocols were carried out. They indicated there was no danger to nearby communities and thanked responders for their prompt actions.
Ship 36 was being readied for what would have been the program’s tenth integrated test flight. Prior to this, the Starship program has endured multiple high-profile explosions throughout 2025, including three earlier upper-stage failures during flights 7, 8, and 9. Despite these setbacks, SpaceX has emphasized its iterative “fail fast, learn fast” development ethos, using each incident to refine tank design, propellant handling, and structural integrity.
The failure occurred just after propellant loading began—roughly 30 minutes before engine ignition—suggesting a breach in the cryogenic tank system before any engines were fired. At the time of the blast, the test stand remained intact but likely sustained damage. SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration will need to conduct a thorough investigation, document corrective actions, and restore compliance before any future flights can proceed.
Originally, the tenth flight had been tentatively scheduled for late June. Given the loss of Ship 36, analysts now anticipate delays as SpaceX assesses damage, conducts root-cause analysis, and incorporates lessons learned into subsequent prototype designs. The next Starship iteration may incorporate enhanced tank reinforcement, revised fueling protocols, and improved safety margins tailored to prevent similar failures.
The program’s long-term goal remains unchanged: developing a fully reusable launch system capable of supporting missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Ship 36’s destruction, while a setback for short-term planning, will likely yield valuable data that informs engineering improvements. The eventual resumption of testing and future launches are expected to continue once recovery and investigation efforts are complete.
