SpaceX encountered a significant setback on November 21, 2025, when Booster 18, the inaugural Version 3 (V3) booster for its Starship system, suffered a catastrophic structural failure during ground testing at Massey’s Test Site in South Texas.
What Happened
The anomaly unfolded early on November 21 during a gas system pressure testing phase that was being conducted in advance of structural proof testing. At approximately 4:04 a.m. CT, livestream footage from community observers captured the dramatic moment when the booster’s lower section crumpled around the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank area.
Exclusive footage from multiple angles, including streams from reliable observers including NSF and LabPadre, revealed the rapid progression from initial venting to a major structural compromise. The incident initially appeared to some observers as a routine vent or deluge activation, but within seconds, it became clear that the plume was accompanied by severe structural deformation.
“Very significant damage to the entire LOX tank section,” according to observers who documented the aftermath with detailed imagery showing the booster’s extensive structural failure from multiple angles.
SpaceX’s Statement and Investigation
SpaceX stated that it was still too early to know what exactly went wrong, indicating that investigations into the root cause are ongoing. The company confirmed that “Booster 18 suffered an anomaly during gas system pressure testing,” with the testing phase focusing on validating the upgraded methane and oxygen tanks under extreme conditions.
Implications for the Program
Booster 18 represented a pivotal advancement in the Starship program, incorporating redesigned propellant systems, enhanced structural integrity, and preparations for increased thrust and reusability features. Spaceflight observers have noted that Booster 18 would likely be a complete loss due to its anomaly, rendering it unlikely for flight in its current form.
As the first V3 booster, it was intended to pave the way for Block 3 configurations, enabling ambitious goals such as routine booster catches, in-orbit refueling demonstrations, accelerated Starlink deployments, and support for NASA’s Artemis lunar landings. This setback may impact SpaceX’s timeline for these developmental milestones, though the company has a history of rapid iteration and recovery from such incidents.
Unlike more energetic prior incidents at the same test site, this event caused less widespread infrastructure damage but inflicted severe structural harm to the booster itself, highlighting the challenges of testing advanced propellant systems under cryogenic conditions.
Photo by SpaceX-Imagery on Pixabay