SpaceX's failed engine test led to an explosion during its test run

Yesterday, 23 May 2024, an explosion occurred at the SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, during a Raptor 2 engine qualification test.

Here's What We Know

The incident occurred around 4:15pm local time. A video posted by @Cphillips_03 shows the Raptor engine shutting down about 14 seconds after ignition. After the shutdown, which apparently went normally, steam continued to remain and dissipate under the engine, but then a small fire appeared down below on the test stand. The flames increased and travelled upwards, resulting in a giant fireball that engulfed the entire tower.

It is not yet clear if the explosion caused any damage to the Raptor's engine or test bed. It is likely that methane and oxygen were involved in the explosion. SpaceX's Raptor engine uses liquid methane as fuel and liquid oxygen as oxidiser. If there was a leak or combustion anomaly, these gases could have mixed and ignited, creating an explosion.

Source: @Cphillips_03