Booster 18

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.

Booster 19 preparing to begin prelaunch testing

Aerial view of Booster 18 taken yesterday.

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.

Booster 18, the first Super Heavy V3, is beginning prelaunch testing. The first operations will test the booster's redesigned propellant systems and its structural strength

The first Version 3 next generation Super Heavy Booster, Booster 18 for Starship test flight 12, has rolled out of megabay 1 this evening and will be moving to Starbase Massey's test site for initial cryogenic proof testing. 11/19/25