SpaceX Mars Starship rocket explodes prior to static fire launch system test in a major 'anomaly'

The new SpaceX Starship rocket that is destined for a Mars mission in 2026 exploded prior to its second routine static fire test at the Massey testing ground in Texas.

Those type of static fire probes build on the so-called Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) fuel load launch system test by also firing the thrusters for a few seconds to check how the whole booster assembly behaves.

NASA referred to the incident as an "anomaly," since the thrusters didn't even light up for the static fire test, meaning that the explosion likely happened during the WDR stage when liquid propellant is loaded into the rocket for ignition.

Moreover, SpaceX already did a static fire test with the Starship rocket, albeit with one of the Raptor engines, not all six that were involved in the second probe. The 36th Starship rocket is currently undergoing launch tests for Flight 10 that will be executed with the full Super Heavy Booster assembly that comprises 33 Raptor engines. 

The booster also underwent static fire testing on its own, and was successfully caught and reused from Flight 7 to Flight 9, so most kinks that need to be ironed out involve the Starship rocket. SpaceX informed that there have been no casualties and the cleanup work around the test site together with local authorities is ongoing:

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. 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.

This is the fourth Starship that SpaceX loses this year, with all undergoing RUD, or "rapid unscheduled disassembly," a euphemism for breaking apart on the ground or during flight. The farthest that Starship made it was during Flight 9 in May, when it flew for 46 minutes before SpaceX lost contact.

Elon Musk recently mentioned that the Mars-ready Starship, whose upper-stage rocket stands at 171 feet (52m) tall, will need a Super Heavy Booster assembly equipped with no less than 42 engines to attempt its maiden Mars flight scheduled to land in 2027.

SpaceX was hoping for the first Starship 3 rocket flight into orbit by the end of this year, but the latest blast may postpone this timeframe. SpaceX bets on the largest rocket ever built not only for the unmanned Mars trip with Optimus robots on board, but also for the 2026 launch of its Starlink V3 satellites that will allow gigabit Internet speeds.