Trending Now - NASA Plans to Release Excess Fuel Amid Challenges
WHO:
NASA
Jason Hopper, from NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi
Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. Space Force
SpaceX
Blue Origin
WHAT:
NASA plans to conduct tests involving the detonation of liquid methane-oxygen fuel, known as "methalox."
The first series of tests, completed in February 2026, involved using 100 pounds of C-4 explosive to blow up a mock thruster with separate methane and liquid oxygen.
The second series of tests, scheduled for March 2026, will involve 2,000 pounds of mixed methalox.
The third series, planned for June 2026, will simulate a worst-case scenario with a full bulkhead breach and detonate 20,000 pounds of fuel.
NASA will move the control room from 1.6 miles away to 4 miles away for the third series of tests.
WHERE:
Tests will take place at a test site inside Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
NASA's Stennis Space Center is located in Mississippi.
WHEN:
The first series of tests was completed in February 2026.
The second series of tests is scheduled for March 2026.
The third series of tests is planned for June 2026.
WHY:
The tests aim to understand the potential consequences of a rocket explosion, including blast radius, concussive force, and shrapnel distance, to ensure safety for people nearby.
HOW:
NASA will measure the size of the explosions during the tests to gather data for safety assessments.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 09:29 UTC)
NASA is set to conduct a series of explosive tests involving liquid methane-oxygen fuel, known as "methalox," at a test site inside Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The first series of tests was completed in February, and the second series is scheduled for later this month, while a third series planned for June will simulate a worst-case scenario with a massive detonation of 20,000 pounds of fuel. These tests aim to gather crucial data on the consequences of rocket explosions to ensure safety for people nearby, with NASA moving the control room further away for the more intense tests.