SpaceX Starship 36 Explodes During Test at Starbase
SpaceX faced another major setback on Wednesday night when Starship 36 exploded during a ground test. The incident took place at the company’s Starbase launch site in Brownsville, Texas.
Static Fire Test
The test was part of a routine procedure known as a static fire. In this process, the rocket is fully fueled and its engines are briefly fired while it remains secured to the launch pad. These tests are critical for checking systems before actual launches.
No Injuries Reported
The explosion occurred just after 11:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. PDT / 12:00 a.m. EDT). Fortunately, the test vehicle was unmanned, and no injuries have been reported. Local police say an investigation is ongoing to find the cause of the blast.
Caught Live on Camera
The explosion was captured during a livestream by NASASpaceflight. Around one hour and 56 minutes into the broadcast, the screen went white as the rocket exploded in a large fireball. Commentator Sawyer Rosenstein dryly noted, “So about those launch dates, I think that may delay [them] a bit.”
Impact on Starship’s Test Schedule
Starship 36 was expected to take part in the program’s upcoming tenth orbital flight test. While no launch date had been announced, the explosion will likely push that timeline back.
SpaceX Issues Official Statement
Following the incident, SpaceX shared a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The company confirmed a “major anomaly” and said all safety measures were followed. “Our Starbase team is working with local officials to secure the test site,” the post read. “There is no danger to nearby residents.”
A Series of Setbacks
This is the fourth straight test-related failure for the Starship program. The previous launch also ended in an explosion. Although SpaceX continues to treat each failure as a learning opportunity, the repeated issues highlight the technical and financial challenges the company faces.
Still, SpaceX remains committed to its long-term goal: building a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
