Explosion Hits Anduril’s Rocket Motor Test Site in Mississippi

Last Friday, an explosion occurred during a rocket motor test at Anduril’s facility in Mississippi, damaging the test stand. Anduril’s Chief Operating Officer Matt Grimm confirmed the incident on social media, stating no one was injured and that testing is expected to resume within weeks. He also claimed that the rocket motor production facility remains on schedule.

However, four sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, told WIRED that mass production, originally planned for July 1, 2025, has not yet begun a year later. Multiple sources noted previous technical and safety issues at the site, including a 2021 fire caused by improper waste disposal that melted an aluminum wall, and costly equipment purchased in 2023 that failed to perform as intended.

Anduril, valued at $61 billion, develops drones, submarines, and surveillance gear. Its rocket motor unit in McHenry, Mississippi, has faced repeated challenges. The explosion has halted prototype testing, which generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue last year. Sources add that morale at the site has declined due to production delays and loss of perks, leading to several employee departures.