The Starship spacecraft, which was to be used for its 10th launch test, exploded while conducting a static engine test in Texas yesterday. According to SpaceX, the Ship 36 spacecraft successfully completed a single-engine test earlier this week and was in the process of refueling for a six-engine test when it suddenly exploded.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the explosion produced a giant fireball that damaged structures near the test site. So far, all three Starship launch tests in 2025 have ended in failure and all spacecraft exploded. Of the 9 test missions conducted, 5 of them failed for various reasons.
Yesterday's incident will add to the problems for SpaceX, which has already failed to meet the previously set target of allowing Starship to be used in the Artemis Mission to send astronauts back to the surface of the moon.