NASA is blowing stuff up to study the explosive potential of methalox rockets

NASA and the US Space Force are conducting explosive testing to understand the unique hazards of methane-liquid oxygen (methalox) rockets, as these engines from SpaceX (Raptor) and Blue Origin (BE-4) become increasingly common. Methalox engines offer advantages over kerosene and hydrogen fuels, including cleaner combustion for reusability and easier handling, but their explosive behavior is not yet well characterized. With launch cadence increasing and pads located close together at federal spaceports, officials need better safety data to set appropriate blast danger areas.