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SpaceX’s latest Starship booster made headlines this week after a sudden blast was caught on camera during testing. The incident happened at the company’s Starbase facility in Texas. The booster, called Booster 18, is part of the upgraded version 3 of the Super Heavy rocket. This version is designed to carry bigger Starlink satellites and support NASA’s Artemis moon missions.
Videos from the site showed the lower part of Booster 18 bursting during a morning test. The booster did not fall, but later photos showed damage to the structure. SpaceX said the booster experienced a problem during a gas system pressure test. These tests check if the rocket can handle heavy pressure and stress.
Unlike some past incidents, no fuel was loaded, and no engines were attached. That meant the blast was less dangerous. SpaceX also confirmed that no workers were hurt. The team is now investigating what caused the problem.
Booster 18 is the first Super Heavy built for Starship version 3. The upgrades include a stronger fuel transfer system, an improved hot-staging ring, three grid fins instead of four, and more powerful Raptor engines. These changes are important for SpaceX’s future missions.
Booster 18 seems to have just exploded during testing at the Massey outpost. pic.twitter.com/fmVdYPmWvA
— LabPadre Space (@LabPadre) November 21, 2025
Before this blast, SpaceX had said it hoped to launch the first version 3 vehicles early next year. Multiple boosters are in production, and the company plans to move the next one to the launch pad soon. SpaceX also said this incident would not slow down testing schedules.
The long-term plan for Starship V3 includes sending one ship into orbit for extended tests. Another ship will then be launched to practice in-space refueling. This technology is key for future deep space missions. Both of these milestones are targeted for 2026, depending on the results of the upcoming tests.
Even with this setback, SpaceX remains confident. Testing is part of the process, and every blast or failure teaches the engineers something new. The company continues to work toward making Starship ready for bigger missions and the first Starship-based lunar landings.
