SpaceX’s Starship 36 rocket unexpectedly exploded during a static fire test on June 18, 2025, at the Texas launch site. The test was meant to verify engine performance and system readiness before a planned launch later this month. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident, but the explosion has caused a delay in the rocket’s schedule.
During a static fire test, a rocket’s engines ignite while it remains secured on the launch pad to check for leaks and confirm proper operation. Starship 36 underwent this necessary procedure when its engines suddenly ignited and violently exploded shortly after.
A video of the explosion quickly circulated on X, showing the sheer scale of the blast. Elon Musk responded with a lighthearted tweet calling the explosion “just a scratch” on the rocket, while SpaceX provided a more detailed update on the situation.
SpaceX and Elon Musk comment on the Starship 36 explosion
SpaceX stated that the anomaly occurred around 11 p.m. CT on June 18 during preparations for Starship’s tenth flight test at their Starbase facility. They reassured the public that a safety perimeter was kept during the test and that all personnel were safe and accounted for.
“Our Starbase team is actively working to save the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials,” SpaceX added. They emphasized there are no hazards to nearby residents and urged people to stay clear while the safing operations continue.
Starship 36’s full launch was scheduled for the end of June, but this incident means the timeline will likely shift. It’s a reminder that rocket testing is crucial, especially when dealing with such powerful machinery. The fact that no one was injured despite the explosive failure is reassuring, though it does raise questions about what caused the anomaly.
Yikes. What exactly went wrong? SpaceX hasn’t revealed the cause yet, but their ongoing investigation should shed light on the issue. Failures like this, while dramatic, are part of the process of developing dependable spacecraft, right?
SpaceX’s Starship 36 exploded during a test on the launch padpic.twitter.com/sezl8IzF5P
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) June 19, 2025
What do you think this means for SpaceX’s upcoming missions? Will the delay be short, or could this affect their broader Starship plans? I’m curious to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
