117K views · 724 reactions | A SpaceX rocket exploded during a ground test on Thursday at the company’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The Starship rocket, known as Ship 36, burst into flames while engineers were running a routine engine test. The test involves fuelling the rocket and briefly turning on its engines without launching it. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it is likely to delay the rocket’s future launch. | The National | Facebook

Join us 🔴LIVE🔴 Today, September 16th, from 2:00 p.m. CDT / 19:00 UTC on NASASpaceflight’s Starbase Live stream for another Raptorside Chat. We’ll discuss all the latest developments at Starbase, and beyond, and try to answer any questions you may have! Follow the link in the comments below to join in. 👇 | NASASpaceflight.com

Join us 🔴LIVE🔴 Today, September 23rd, from 2:00 p.m. CDT / 19:00 UTC on NASASpaceflight’s Starbase Live stream for another Raptorside Chat. We’ll discuss all the latest developments at Starbase, and beyond, and try to answer any questions you may have! Follow the link in the comments below to join in. 👇 | NASASpaceflight.com

We happened to catch some work in the Starfactory this evening: It looks like crews are working with some Starlink Simulators! Keep a close eye on our 24/7 livestream, Starbase Live, as the action is ongoing! Link in the comments below. 👇 | NASASpaceflight.com

In this week's Starbase Update, we cover the progress made on the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) shielding installation, the installation of engines on Booster 9, and the construction of a new ship lifting rig at Starbase. We also take a look at the ongoing preparations for Ship 24, work being done inside its payload bay, and the potential new High Bay construction site. Additionally, we show footage of a new two-point lifter that was tested at Starbase, which could potentially replace the current n