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A SpaceX Raptor engine has exploded on a test stand in Texas, shows footage from local media. The Raptor is responsible for powering SpaceX's Starship rocket, and the explosion came after an 184-second test run. SpaceX regularly tests its equipment to failure, but a Raptor test explosion is a rare event, particularly as the engine was a second-generation Raptor, which is in the production stage. The test run comes as SpaceX's progress with its Starship test program remains on hold in 2025 due to the second-generation spacecraft failing to meet its test objectives in all test flights this year so far.
SpaceX Raptor 2 Engine Explodes After 184 Second Test Run In McGregor, Texas
SpaceX's current Starship rockets, which are the first generation first stage Super Heavy booster and the second generation upper stage Starship, both use the second generation Raptor engine. This engine has been in service in all recent Starship test flights and has led to the firm successfully catching the Super Heavy booster multiple times. The Raptor was quite problematic during SpaceX's earliest Starship tests, with the first integrated test flight witnessing several engine failures.
More recently, engine failures have again come into the spotlight as propulsion system problems on SpaceX's second-generation upper-stage Starship rocket have led to two consecutive test flight failures. SpaceX's post-flight failure update for its January test shared that vibration in the rocket's propulsion system led to a fire, which led to engine shutdowns. For the next test, the engines shut down at a similar time; however, the reason behind their failure is unclear.
After the latest Starship test flight mishap, SpaceX might have picked up the pace on its engine tests. Footage from local media in McGregor, Texas shows that a recent Raptor engine test run ended up with the engine exploding in a ball of flame. While SpaceX has previously tested its rocket engines to failure, these tests have reduced recently as it focuses on the third generation Raptor.
The engine that exploded appears to have been a Raptor 2 engine. The latest Raptor iteration is the third-generation engine, which features significant weight reduction and other upgrades. The Raptor test that ended up in flames lasted for 184 seconds, making it likely that SpaceX tested the engine to its limit to inform future design choices.
Along with Raptor tests, the firm is also working towards its next Starship test flight. SpaceX has tested the first-stage Super Heavy booster and the upper-stage so far but remained quiet about the reasons behind its latest Starship test flight failure.
A successful test flight of the second generation second stage is key to the program's success as it will allow the company to move forward and conduct crucial tests such as an in-space propellant transfer demonstration and a tower catch.
A Raptor 2 giving us some fireworks today, but don't fret! This looks like it could be an intentional test to destruction, along with a few earlier in the year. Perhaps related to changes following Flights 7 and 8?https://t.co/rqvsKBJ7To@NASASpaceflight pic.twitter.com/mBG9Z4wAZg
— Thomas Hayden (@_thomashayden) March 20, 2025
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