SpaceX’s Upgraded Starship Suffers Explosion During Testing
Early questions about what caused SpaceX’s upgraded Starship to suffer an explosion during testing continue to trend as viewers search for what failed, whether anyone was injured, and what this means for Starship V3 development. The incident occurred during early-morning pressure testing and left part of the booster’s lower section blown open—despite having no engines installed yet.
Image Credits:SpaceX
What Caused SpaceX’s Upgraded Starship Explosion?
SpaceX confirmed the blast happened during gas system pressure testing, a routine but high-risk step in Starship V3’s development. The company cleared the test area beforehand, ensuring zero injuries. Footage from Starbase livestreamers shows the side of the booster ruptured outward, suggesting an internal over-pressure event. SpaceX says teams are still investigating the exact cause.
How Serious Is the Damage to Starship V3?
The explosion tore open a major section of the lower booster, but the structure remained standing. This incident occurred early in the V3 build process, before engines were attached, which reduces long-term setbacks. Still, the blast raises questions about design upgrades intended to make Starship V3 larger, more powerful, and more reliable.
Will This Delay SpaceX’s Starship V3 Launch Plans?
SpaceX has not announced delays, but investigations typically slow testing timelines. Because Starship V3 is a key upgrade expected to support docking capabilities and deep-space missions, engineers will likely take extra time to ensure the new design meets safety and performance standards.
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