8th major incident for Space X as rocket explodes in Texas

The year 2025 is proving to be a difficult one for SpaceX, which has just suffered the ground explosion of its rocket during a static test, while the company was conducting tests in preparation for the tenth test flight since the program began in April 2023.

Another SpaceX rocket explodes in new setback to Elon Musk’s Mars project

— The Guardian (@theguardian.com) 2025-06-19T10:31:36.854Z

The Star ship 36 explosion occurred in Texas at around 11pm local time, during its second static firing test.

A gigantic fireball was observed, and spectacular images of the incident were captured on video.

Prior to this spectacular explosion, Ship 36 had already carried out two cryogenic pressurization tests, as well as a single-engine static firing, according to NASA.

Prior to this explosion, SpaceX had already suffered seven major incidents since the program’s launch in April 2023, with explosions or total losses on test flights 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9.

These failures, mainly due to engine failures, fuel leaks or anomalies during the re-entry phase, testify to the persistent technical challenges of the Starship project aimed at Mars exploration.

Just a scratch

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2025

Elon Musk reacted briefly to the situation on X, calling the incident a “scratch”.

This content was created with the help of AI.