SpaceX’s Starship Ship 36 Explodes During Pre-Flight Test at Massey’s Test Site in Brownsville, Texas

 

SpaceX’s Starship prototype, Ship 36, is drawing significant attention across the United States following a catastrophic explosion during a routine pre-flight test at Massey’s Test Site in Brownsville, Texas, on June 18, 2025. Local residents reported hearing loud bangs and seeing bright flashes in the sky moments before the blast, which occurred around 11 p.m. CT. 

The incident took place as engineers were preparing Ship 36 for a static fire test of one Raptor engine, intended to simulate an in-space burn, a critical step for the upcoming Starship Flight 10. According to reports, the prototype suffered a major failure during the engine test, resulting in a massive fireball and significant damage to the vehicle and surrounding ground support equipment. No injuries were reported, as SpaceX maintained a safety clear area around the site. 

The explosion, described as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” has raised concerns about delays to SpaceX’s ambitious Starship program, which aims to enable lunar and Mars missions. The company is now working with federal regulators to investigate the cause, with early speculation pointing to a possible issue in the propellant system, particularly the methane header tank. This marks the fourth Starship-related failure in 2025, prompting scrutiny of the program’s aggressive testing approach.

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