SpaceX Starship Test Ends in Failure: Debris Disrupts Air Traffic

SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, ended in failure as the rocket's upper stage disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean just minutes after launch on Thursday. The launch, which began at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT), marked the seventh test of the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, intended to carry mock satellite payloads. While the Super Heavy booster executed a controlled descent back to the launch tower, the upper stage experienced a propulsion anomaly approximately 10 minutes into flight, breaking apart during atmospheric re-entry.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) diverted and delayed numerous commercial flights over the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding areas to ensure safety. Flight disruptions were reported near airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, while flights near the Turks and Caicos Islands altered their paths to avoid debris. Normal operations resumed after the debris field cleared.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the failure on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a video of the fiery debris field and joking, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” He also revealed preliminary findings, attributing the anomaly to an oxygen and fuel leak above the ship engine firewall. Musk stated that improvements, including enhanced fire suppression and increased venting capacity, are being implemented, with the next Starship test slated for next month.

This latest setback highlights the challenges of SpaceX’s ambitious Starship program, which aims to revolutionize space travel by providing reusable, next-generation rockets for interplanetary missions. The test’s partial success—recovering the Super Heavy booster—demonstrates progress, but the disintegration of the upper stage underscores the risks and technical hurdles involved in pushing spaceflight technology forward.

The test coincided with a milestone for competitor Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos. Its New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbital space overnight, marking significant progress in the commercial space race.

While SpaceX plans to address technical flaws swiftly, the event serves as a reminder of the inherent uncertainties of space exploration and the competitive pressures driving advancements in the industry.