Key takeaway: On the night of June 18, 2025, SpaceX’s Starship prototype Ship 36 was destroyed in a massive explosion during a static fire test at the Starbase facility in Brownsville, Texas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the setback is expected to delay the highly anticipated 10th Starship test flight.

📍 What Happened?

At approximately 11:00 p.m. CT, Starship Ship 36, an upper‐stage prototype, erupted in a dramatic fireball just as it was being fueled for a routine static fire test :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Video livestreams showed two rapid explosions, sending debris scattered across the site :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

✅ Safety & Response

• SpaceX confirmed that all personnel were safe and no injuries occurred :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• A safety perimeter had been maintained, and emergency protocols were enacted with local authorities :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Recovery crews are working to secure the site. The public has been advised to avoid the area :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

🧪 Initial Cause & Expert Analysis

Elon Musk, via SpaceX’s X account, attributed the explosion to a “major anomaly” during the propellant load. He mentioned that a nitrogen COPV (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel) in the payload bay may have failed below its proof pressure—a first for this component :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

⏳ Impact on Starship Program

This explosion marks the fourth major Starship mishap in 2025, following three unsuccessful test flights earlier in the year :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Ship 36 was slated to support the upcoming 10th test flight, likely planned for late June :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. With its loss, that schedule will be pushed back. Nonetheless, SpaceX continues its “fail fast, learn fast” development philosophy :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🚀 What’s Next?

SpaceX engineers will analyze telemetry and test data to confirm the COPV failure hypothesis. The company is also assessing potential damage to the test stand and refining procedures before attempting another static fire or flight.