"Booster 18 suffered an anomaly during gas system pressure testing that we were conducting in advance of structural proof testing. No propellant was on the vehicle, and engines were not yet installed. The teams need time to investigate before we are confident of the cause. No one was injured as we maintain a safe distance for personnel during this type of testing. The site remains clear and we are working plans to safely reenter the site, SpaceX wrote in its post on X."
"The incident unfolded during gas-system pressure testing at the company's Massey facility in Starbase, Texas. Livestream footage from LabPadre showed Booster 18's lower half crumpling around the liquid oxygen tank area at approximately 4:04 a.m. CT. Subsequent images posted by on-site observers revealed extensive deformation across the booster's lower structure. Needless to say, spaceflight observers have noted that Booster 18 would likely be a complete loss due to its anomaly."
An anomaly occurred during gas-system pressure testing on Booster 18 at the Massey facility in Starbase, Texas. No propellant was loaded and no engines were installed at the time of the event. Personnel were kept at a safe distance and no injuries were reported. Livestream footage showed the booster's lower half crumpling around the liquid oxygen tank area, and on-site images revealed extensive deformation of the lower structure. Teams will investigate to determine the cause, the site remains clear, and plans are being developed to safely reenter the site. Booster 18 had rolled out only a day earlier.
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