Explosion during Starship V3 testing: SpaceX investigates the accident.

According to Korrespondent.net: SpaceX recently tested the upgraded Starship V3 booster at its facility in South Texas, but the initial tests ended in an accident, according to TechCrunch. At four in the morning local time on Friday, an explosion occurred inside the structure, resulting in part of the lower section's skin being torn off. Despite the severe damage, the booster remained in place.

Local streamers, who continuously monitor events at the Starbase site, captured the incident and later photos emerged illustrating the extent of the destruction. The explosion was atypical: unlike the fireballs that had previously accompanied SpaceX tests, this time there was a sharp internal 'rupture' that occurred before the installation of the Raptor engines.

Booster 18 seems to have just exploded during testing at the Massey outpost. pic.twitter.com/fmVdYPmWvA

— LabPadre Space (@LabPadre) November 21, 2025

The company stated that at the time of the accident they were conducting 'gas pressure system testing.' The area had been cleared in advance, so no one was injured.

'Teams need time to figure out the cause of the incident,' SpaceX said.

The booster is the first major component of Starship V3 - a new version of the rocket that is expected to be larger, more powerful, reliable, and capable of docking with other Starships in orbit. This technology is critically important for SpaceX's lunar and Martian programs. The V2 version was launched in October.

At this time, it is unclear how the explosion will affect the schedule of upcoming tests. Delays at key stages could impact SpaceX's plans for 2026, when the company is to demonstrate NASA's capability for orbital refueling of Starship using a 'tanker' modification. This modification is an integral part of the technology for the plan to land astronauts on the Moon, currently tentatively scheduled for 2028.

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Currently, SpaceX is working on the implementation of new technologies that could change approaches to space missions. The explosion and its consequences will primarily affect the schedule of tests. It could also hinder the company's ambitious plans for a lunar landing, highlighting the importance of properly conducting the initial phases of the project. However, as noted by SpaceX, the team will continue to analyze the situation to quickly address the issues.