NASA and the US Space Force are conducting explosive tests to better understand hazards from methalox rockets. These methane-fueled engines, developed by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin over the past 15 years, offer advantages over traditional propellants including less residue and easier handling. As launches become more frequent with pads just miles apart, understanding explosion risks has become critical.

SpaceX's Starship uses 39 Raptor engines while Blue Origin's New Glenn and ULA's Vulcan rely on BE-4s. Methane burns cleaner than kerosene and operates at warmer temperatures than liquid hydrogen. China became the first nation to orbit with a methane rocket in 2023, while US companies including Rocket Lab and Stoke Space develop similar technology.

The lack of safety data for methalox explosions presents challenges for range safety officials. Col. Brian Chatman noted they cannot determine safe blast danger area sizes. With methalox pads now operational across multiple US spaceports, NASA's research aims to establish safety protocols for the new rocket technology as it becomes more commonplace.