SpaceX Starship Explodes Prior to Tenth Test Launch

19.06.2025

One of SpaceX’s Starship launch vehicles exploded late Wednesday night on a test stand in Texas, just as the company was preparing for its much-anticipated tenth test flight of the powerful heavy-lift system. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and SpaceX has yet to provide details.

In a statement posted on X, SpaceX confirmed that all staff members are safe and no danger was posed to nearby communities. CEO Elon Musk appeared to downplay the incident, referring to it as “just a scratch.”

The timing of the failure could complicate SpaceX’s launch schedule. The Federal Aviation Administration had recently signaled that the next test flight might take place as early as June 29. It remains uncertain whether the latest setback will delay those plans.

SpaceX has invested heavily in the Starship program, comprising the 171-foot spacecraft and the massive 232-foot Super Heavy booster. While the company aims to make 2025 a breakthrough year—supported by the FAA raising its Starship launch cap from 5 to 25—the program has suffered multiple failures, including explosions during the seventh, eighth, and ninth test flights earlier this year.

Despite repeated issues, SpaceX is pushing forward. Musk has said the company is targeting a Mars mission in 2026, estimating the odds of success at “50/50.” A larger, next-generation “Version 3” of Starship is also in development and could fly before the end of 2025.