The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and authorities from the Turks and Caicos Islands have initiated investigations into the recent explosion of SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
What Happened
A prototype of SpaceX’s Starship suffered a mid-flight explosion over the Bahamas, just eight minutes into its seventh test launch from Texas. The incident scattered debris across the northern Caribbean.
Investigation and Response
The FAA, which oversees private rocket launches, stated that there are no reports of public injury, and they are working with SpaceX and appropriate authorities to confirm reports of public property damage on Turks and Caicos.
Resident Accounts
Residents of the South and North Caicos islands experienced intense ground vibrations and discovered burnt fragments of what they suspected to be Starship debris. One resident shared, “My mirror and the walls were shaking.” Another resident compared the experience to an “earthquake.”
Rocket Details
The Starship rocket had been outfitted with advanced onboard features and was carrying its first set of mock satellites. Launched from Boca Chica, Texas, the mission aimed for a suborbital trajectory around Earth. However, communication was lost shortly after its separation from the Super Heavy booster, ultimately resulting in its destruction.
SpaceX Statement
“Initial data indicates a fire developed in the aft section of the ship, leading to a rapid unscheduled disassembly,” SpaceX stated. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared a video of rocket parts raining down from the sky, stating that “success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed.”
Impact on Air Travel
The explosion scattered debris over the northern Caribbean, leading to the diversion of dozens of flights. American Airlines Group Inc. reported fewer than 10 flight diversions, while a JetBlue Airways Corp. flight from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan had to return to its origin. FedEx Corp. cargo operations also experienced route adjustments.
Competition in Space
Meanwhile, SpaceX’s competitor, Blue Origin, achieved a significant milestone when its New Glenn launch vehicle reached space and its intended orbit during its inaugural launch. This achievement solidified Blue Origin’s position as a competitor to SpaceX in the satellite launch business.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded mid-flight over the Bahamas
- The FAA and Turks and Caicos authorities are investigating the incident
- Residents reported intense ground vibrations and discovered burnt debris
- The explosion affected air travel, with dozens of flights diverted
- Blue Origin achieved a milestone with its New Glenn launch vehicle, solidifying its position as a competitor to SpaceX.