Rocket Failure Grounds SpaceX’s Starship Program
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has halted SpaceX’s Starship rocket program until the company completes an investigation into the mid-air failure of its latest test flight. The incident forced airlines to divert flights and resulted in reports of public property damage on the Turks and Caicos islands.
Investigation Underway
The FAA stated that while there were no reports of public injury, it received reports of property damage on the Caribbean islands. SpaceX must complete the investigation and implement any necessary corrective actions before the FAA issues a new license to launch Starship again.
Flight Disruptions
The FAA diverted and delayed dozens of commercial airline flights, including those operated by American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Delta Air Lines, after the Starship rocket exploded and rained down debris minutes after launching. Videos posted on social media showed the rocket detonating in space.
Debris Response Area Activated
The FAA activated a “Debris Response Area” to warn aircraft of debris falling outside of the identified closed aircraft hazard areas. This move was made despite SpaceX’s initial claim that debris fell “into the Atlantic Ocean within the predefined hazard areas.” The company later removed this statement from its website.
Contradicting Statements
The FAA’s explanation for activating the “Debris Response Area” contradicts SpaceX’s initial statement. The company’s website now states that “any surviving pieces of debris would have fallen into the designated hazard area” after the failure. The FAA has reiterated that its information is preliminary and subject to change.
Next Steps
SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. The investigation is ongoing, and the FAA will not issue a new license to launch Starship until it is complete. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of SpaceX’s rocket program and the potential risks to public property and commercial air traffic.
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