Worker dies at SpaceX Starbase, US safety agency launches investigation

Staff Report: PNN

A worker has died at SpaceX’s Starbase launch facility in South Texas, United States. The country’s workplace safety regulatory agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has launched an investigation into the incident.

According to reports from US media outlets, the incident occurred early Friday morning local time at Starbase, Texas. However, the identity of the deceased worker has not yet been disclosed.

Preliminary information suggests that the worker died at approximately 4:00 AM on Friday. The exact cause of the incident is still unknown. OSHA has stated that no detailed information will be released until the investigation is completed. The investigation process may take several months.

The incident comes at a time when SpaceX is preparing for a new launch of its upgraded Starship rocket. At the same time, the company is also reportedly preparing for a major stock market-related offering.

Starbase has long faced criticism regarding workplace safety. In addition to launch operations, the area also functions as a large construction zone.

A 2025 analysis found that the accident and injury rate at the Texas Starbase facility is significantly higher compared to competing space companies. There have also been previous reports of worker injuries and deaths at other testing facilities in Texas.

Earlier this year in January, OSHA issued seven serious notices to SpaceX for safety violations at Starbase. Among the allegations was the failure to conduct proper safety checks before a crane collapse. The company was also fined a significant amount, although SpaceX has challenged the penalty.

In addition, multiple lawsuits have been filed in recent years regarding injuries at Starbase. In December last year, a contractor worker was seriously injured after being crushed under a heavy metal structure that fell from a crane. An investigation into that incident was also launched.

According to analysts, due to rapid expansion and high-risk space projects, questions are once again being raised about SpaceX’s safety management.