Mon, Jun 23, 2025
Preliminary Explanation For RUD
Elon Musk and SpaceX posted on the SpaceX website immediately after Starship Ship 36 experienced a catastrophic explosion and subsequent Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly as fuel was being loaded for a static firing test of Ship’s engines.
Musk said that preliminary data suggested that a nitrogen composite overwrapped pressure vessel, or COPV, in the vehicle’s payload bay failed below its proof pressure. Musk commented that if this is confirmed, it is the first time ever for this design.
Videos of the incident showed Starship Ship 36 exploding in a massive fireball at its launchpad in Starbase in South Texas.
The SpaceX team added more in a post on its website, saying, “After completing a single-engine static fire earlier this week, the vehicle was in the process of loading cryogenic propellant for a six-engine static fire when a sudden energetic event resulted in the complete loss of Starship and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand.
“The explosion ignited several fires at the test site, which remains clear of personnel and will be assessed once it has been determined to be safe to approach. Individuals should not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue.”
SpaceX also emphasized that the destruction of Ship 36 and the surrounding damage will not result in any hazards to the surrounding communities. The team also confirmed that all team members were safe and accounted for after the explosion.
Although the RUD of Ship 36 is definitely a speed bump for the Starhip program, SpaceX has shown itself able to overcome such incidents and grow stronger by making the necessary changes. This in itself is a testament to the overall attitude of the team and that which Musk himself has said numerous times: that testing is just that—a test. As such, failures are to be expected and are considered learning experiences. The data gathered from each test serve to guide adjustments and improvements in the design and execution of the boosters, vehicles, and processes.
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