Elon Musk’s SpaceX encountered a fresh obstacle when its Starship prototype erupted in a powerful explosion during a ground-based engine test in Texas on Wednesday. The blast, which took place moments ahead of the planned ignition sequence, severely damaged the spacecraft and may have impacted nearby facilities as well.
Ship 36, a spacecraft slated for a forthcoming trial mission, was in the midst of a standard engine ignition test at SpaceX’s Starbase site in Texas when it unexpectedly detonated late at night. The blast inflicted major harm on the Starship test vehicle and compelled SpaceX to halt all launch activities without a set timeline for resumption.
Just a scratch
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2025
“In a statement posted on X, the company said, “On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase.”
“A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,” it added.
“Our Starbase team is actively working to safe the test site and the immediate surrounding area in conjunction with local officials. There are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, and we ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue,” the company added.
On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase. A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted…
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 19, 2025
Videos shared across social media platforms capture a giant explosion at the site, with flames rapidly spreading and consuming the nearby area.
ANOMALY! Just before Ship 36 was set to Static Fire, it blew up at SpaceX Masseys!
— NSF – NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) June 19, 2025
Live on X and YT:https://t.co/GPjZIX1Zyd pic.twitter.com/CfZhDeSGae
