SpaceX's Starship SN3 prototype fails cryogenic proof test

Starship SN3 collapsed during a cryogenic proof test designed to validate the vehicle ahead of a planned static fire and 150-meter hop. SpaceX will now have to instead focus on future Starship builds.

[MrBurgerphone]

I've noticed that the failure point so far with starship has been different every time. This looked totally different from all previous failures, like it wasn't structurally sound and collapsed from the weight of the propellant. Was the bottom tank not pressurized?

[richardkennedy]

Cryo temps in top tank cooled non-cryo, non-pressurized gas below -gas in lower tank condensed, led to decreased pressure and internal vacuum pressure -led to tank wall/external skin failure.

[ATSF]

DAMN my soul is crushed. And im not even one of the guys working on it. This failure seemed far different from the previous explosion

[Kalic]

hey just remember this has never been done before and how many iterations of dragon did they go through before they got it right, its all good to plan ahead if it works but i think its going to take a few more attempts before they get it.

[ozanbellik]

To all the commenters who are dismayed: they could implode 20 of these and still make it to orbit this year. They now have a production line and custom tooling. And please look up how many tries Edison had with the lightbulb and grow a little patience. It's not done til it's done. In the meantime, we're learning.

[GMProductions-]

SN3: *implodes again and collapses*
SN4: *My time has come*

[owensparks]

Fail fast, fail cheap. Imagine if they'd spent 5 years building the factory and then another 5 building the tank. Spacex will be back in a matter of weeks with a better prototype.

[ekarae.ntonoba]

SN3, you were supposed to be the chosen one.

[peterbarratt]

SN4, here we come. Hope they find the issue and fix it for the next one .

[fhmconsulting]

I think Elon is making a collection of failures so he can release a video in a few years called "How not to build a Starship"

[RogerWilco]

That’s disheartening. I guess this is one of those situations where they are going to have to make every single mistake until there are no mistakes left to make.

[jamestaylor]

As hard as it is to watch, Elon has said many times we learn most from failure.
so test test and more tests till it fails no more.
but dam its hard to watch

[Bullhead_JW]

I see progress, it didn't explode. By the looks of it, the common bulkhead could have failed, being an odd shape as it was, it isn't unexpected in my opinion. Either that, or the metal simply couldn't support the weight of the LOX tank, as even before the collapse you can see warped metal.

[johntheux]

Was the lower part pressurized? If it's not, I would not be surprised that it collapsed.

[davecowdrey]

At least they picked what way it was going to fall.

[BALDO]

Looks like the mid tank wasn't pressurised

[CaribbeanZapatta]

they WILL get this I have absolute confidence !

[lordnedz]

BOO 😒, THAT SUCKS! Ok come on SN4! Thanks for the updates Mary and Crew, this is why I love what y’all do. Y’all are on it, again much love ❤️.

[Yomgui]

looks like the reinforcement at the bottom work... at least

[nathandcole]

Fantastic footage of a sad event! Great job as always NASASpaceflight and @BocaChicaGal