Investigation launched after SpaceX's Starship rocket failure

Saturday 18 January 2025 - 15:20

An investigation has been initiated following the explosion of the second stage of SpaceX's Starship rocket on January 16, as the vehicle soared over the Caribbean. This led to the suspension of Starship flights on January 17 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which directed the company to open an inquiry into the incident.

During its 7th test flight, SpaceX successfully performed a challenging maneuver by recovering the first stage of the megafuel rocket, the largest ever built. However, the second stage experienced a "rapid, unplanned disassembly," according to SpaceX’s official statement.

Space debris was reported over the Caribbean region. Following the explosion, the FAA briefly rerouted flights around a "spacecraft debris fall zone." The FAA also announced it was working with SpaceX and local authorities to confirm damages in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands confirmed that debris from the failed launch had affected the territory, though no injuries were reported and the material damage was minimal. Authorities urged residents to report the space debris without touching it.

As per procedure, SpaceX can resume flights once it submits its investigation report to the FAA, including corrective measures. The FAA will then provide the necessary clearance. SpaceX may also apply for flight resumption before the investigation concludes, if it demonstrates that preventive actions were taken and the incident did not pose a risk to public safety.

Starship, SpaceX’s flagship rocket, is crucial to the company’s plans for Mars exploration, and NASA plans to use a modified version for its Artemis missions to return to the Moon in the coming years.