StoryTest
Super Heavy Booster 18, intended for the first V3 flight, damaged in a pressure test at Starbase
Booster 18, the first Super Heavy built for Starship V3, ruptured during gas-system pressure testing on November 21 at SpaceX's test complex. The liquid oxygen tank section suffered structural failure with no propellant loaded or engines installed, eliminating this booster from V3 operations.
- Test: gas-system pressure qualification at Starbase on November 21, 2025.
- The LOX tank lower section crumpled inward during the anomaly; no personnel were injured.
- SpaceX stated no propellant was loaded and engines were not installed.
- Booster cannot fly the first V3 mission; investigation by SpaceX teams ongoing.