SpaceX experienced a setback in its Starship development program on Friday when an explosion damaged a newly rolled-out booster at its Starbase facility in South Texas. The incident occurred during routine gas system pressure testing of the booster, designated as part of the Starship version three (V3) design. No injuries were reported, as the area had been cleared prior to the test, according to SpaceX.
The explosion, captured by livestreamers and photographers monitoring the Starbase complex, blew out a significant portion of the lower section of the booster. This event raises questions about potential delays to SpaceX’s ambitious schedule for lunar and Martian exploration, as well as its ongoing contract with NASA.
Starship Booster Damaged During Testing
The damaged booster represented the first major component of the V3 Starship design. SpaceX intends for V3 to be a substantial upgrade over the previous iteration, offering increased size, power, and reliability. A key feature of the new design is the ability to dock with other Starships in Earth orbit, a critical capability for establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and Mars.
According to SpaceX, the incident happened during “gas system pressure testing” early Friday morning. The company stated on X (formerly Twitter) that teams are investigating the cause and will provide updates when available. The booster had not yet been fitted with its engines at the time of the explosion.
Implications for SpaceX’s Timeline
The timing of the explosion is particularly concerning given SpaceX’s aggressive goals for 2026. The company is aiming to demonstrate in-orbit fuel transfer between a Starship and a tanker version of the rocket. This capability is essential for NASA’s Artemis program, which plans to return humans to the Moon.
Any significant delay in the Starship testing program could jeopardize these plans. NASA is relying on SpaceX to deliver a lunar lander based on the Starship design, with a currently targeted crewed mission date of 2028.
However, the situation is complicated by recent criticism from NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, who has expressed dissatisfaction with SpaceX’s progress. Duffy has suggested that NASA might consider awarding the lunar lander contract to Blue Origin, a competitor led by Jeff Bezos, if SpaceX continues to fall behind schedule.
Blue Origin Gains Momentum
Meanwhile, Blue Origin is actively developing its own heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn. The company recently completed its second launch of New Glenn, successfully delivering a commercial payload for NASA and achieving a successful booster landing.
Additionally, Blue Origin unveiled a larger design for New Glenn on Thursday, directly positioning it as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starship. This development adds further pressure on SpaceX to maintain its lead in the space launch market and fulfill its commitments to NASA.
The space launch industry is seeing increased competition, with companies like Rocket Lab also making strides in smaller satellite launches. This competitive landscape underscores the importance of reliable and timely development for all players, including SpaceX.
The incident with the Starship booster highlights the inherent risks associated with rocket development. While SpaceX has a history of overcoming setbacks, this explosion represents a significant challenge to its ambitious plans. The company’s ability to quickly identify the cause of the explosion and implement corrective measures will be crucial in determining the impact on its future schedule.
Looking ahead, the next step for SpaceX will be a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. The company will need to assess the extent of the damage and determine the timeline for repairing or replacing the damaged booster. NASA will be closely monitoring SpaceX’s progress, and any further delays could prompt a reevaluation of the lunar lander contract. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future trajectory of SpaceX’s Starship program and its role in humanity’s return to the Moon.
