NASA Plans Large-Scale Methalox Explosions to Gauge Rocket Safety

NASA, with FAA and the U.S. Space Force, is conducting staged methalox (methane-oxygen) explosion tests at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to measure blast effects and safety margins for future rockets. The program scales from 100 pounds of fuel in an initial test to 2,000 pounds with mixed liquids, and finally 20,000 pounds in a worst-case scenario, with the control room moved farther away for the final blast. SpaceX has done its own testing, but NASA is pursuing its independent data for safety and design insights.