Video of SpaceX’s explosive explosion on the ground just before launch

SpaceX had just started a static-fire test on Ship 36 in preparation for its Starship 10th Flight Test, when an explosion took place near Massey’s Testing Centre. 

SpaceX stated that there was a “safety clear zone” around the site during the entire operation. All personnel were also safe. This explosion did not pose any dangers to residents in the newly-incorporated town of Starbase.

30 minutes before load sequencing

According to NASA Spaceflight, it happened about 30 minutes before the static-fire test. NASA’s On X wrote “ANOMALY! It blew up just before Ship 36 was put on Static Fire! The post also includes a video.

The Verge explained to us that the rocket engines of the vehicle would fire during a static test while the vehicle was still attached to its launch mount. Therefore, Ship 36 wasn’t scheduled to take off yet.

It is not known what caused this latest incident or the extent of any possible damage at the test site.

A major anomaly

Fox 26 Houston reported that no injuries had been reported by the authorities. KRGV News stated that Brownsville Fire Department responded to the explosion.

SpaceX released this statement About 90 minutes after the event, a post was made on X about the incident: “On June 18, around 11 p.m., CT, the Starship preparing to fly the tenth test encountered a major anomaly on a testing stand at Starbase. The site was kept clear and safe throughout the operation. All personnel were safe and accounted.

It continued, “Our Starbase is actively working in conjunction with local authorities to save both the test site and immediate surrounding area.” The residents of the surrounding communities are not in danger, and we ask them to refrain from approaching the area until the safety operations have been completed.

Elon Musk, in 2023, said that this flight test would continue using SpaceX’s “V2 Starship” design. This “holds a lot more propellant and reduces dry weight, while improving reliability.” 

Musk also said that SpaceX was preparing a V3 design. This new design is expected to be launched once a week within the next 12 months.