Vehicle Experienced “Anomaly” During Fuel Loading For Static Fire Test

A SpaceX Starship second stage, Ship 36, mounted on a test stand loading fuel for a static fire test was destroyed in a huge explosion that was seen and heard for miles around Starbase in South Texas, startling residents in Cameron County where Starbase is located.

The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a loud rumble was heard and that it was an explosion from one of SpaceX’s static tests. No injuries were reported.

SpaceX posted an update on X regarding the explosion experienced by Starship: “On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced an anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase.

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.”

No injuries were reported, and SpaceX said all personnel were safe and accounted for since a safety zone was established around the test site and maintained throughout the operation.

In addition, SpaceX emphasized that there are no hazards to surrounding communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Independent testing previously showed that Starship materials pose no chemical, biological, or toxicological risks. SpaceX is coordinating with local, state and federal agencies on safety and environmental matters.

The update continued, “Engineering teams are actively investigating the incident and will follow established procedures to determine root cause. Initial analysis indicates the potential failure of a pressurized tank known as a COPV, or composite overwrapped pressure vessel, containing gaseous nitrogen in Starship’s nosecone area, but the full data review is ongoing. There is no commonality between the COPVs used on Starship and SpaceX’s Falcon rockets.

FMI:  www.spacex.com/