Starship Ship 36 explodes on a test stand at Massey's before a planned static fire

SpaceX/Starship

SpaceX's Starship Ship 36 was destroyed in a catastrophic explosion on June 18 at the Massey test facility while being loaded with propellant for a static fire ahead of Flight 10. SpaceX's preliminary analysis pointed to a potential failure of a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) containing gaseous nitrogen in the nosecone, the first time this design type experienced such a failure. Flight 10 was delayed as a result.

• Explosion occurred at 11 p.m. CT, June 18, 2025, during propellant loading.
• Root cause: possible COPV failure in nosecone nitrogen system; first failure of this design type.
• No personnel injured; test site damage was contained; Flight 10 delayed.
• Part of a difficult 2025 for Starship: Flights 7, 8, and 9 also experienced significant setbacks.