The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that he will oversee an investigation into the recent rocket explosion Starshipproperty of SpaceXwhich occurred during a test flight last Thursday. This incident left a shower of debris visible in areas of the Caribbeanparticularly in the Turks and Caicos Islandsand forced the diversion of numerous commercial flights. As reported Reutersthe FAA works closely with SpaceX and local authorities “to confirm reports of damage to public property in Turks and Caicos.”
This would be the Starship’s seventh test flight from Texas, which ended abruptly eight minutes into the flight. In statements to EFEthe FAA explained that it has requested SpaceX a formal investigation into the causes of the failure. “We are requesting SpaceX to conduct an incident investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle during launch operations on January 16”the US agency confirmed to said news agency.
The incident not only triggered technical investigations, but also affected commercial air traffic. According to EFE, American Airlines reported the need to modify at least ten flights, while Delta Airlines adjusted four of its routes. In addition, other European airlines and those from distant regions were also compromised. “The Australian Qantas delayed several flights between South Africa and Australia after the FAA notice”reported the aforementioned agency.
Despite the spectacular rain of incandescent remains that, according to EFEwas visible in several parts of the Caribbean, the FAA assured that there were no personal injuries or injuries associated with the incident. Furthermore, according to the report of Reutersthe agency continues to collaborate with the competent authorities to evaluate the material damage resulting from the fall of the debris.
Although the Starship suffered the destruction of its second stage, SpaceX managed to recover the rocket’s first stage, called Super Heavywhich is equipped with thirty-three Raptor engines. This takeoff marked the second time that the company managed to carry out a controlled maneuver to recapture this stage through the use of the mechanical system called ‘Mechazilla‘. According to EFEthis technology allows efficient recovery for future reuse.
“Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed,” he published Elon Musk on social networks, accompanied by a video that showed the shocking remains of the rocket falling on the Caribbean. Despite the mishap, the company considered this test flight a “partial triumph,” given that it managed to preserve the first stage, a key step toward further technological advances.
In parallel to this event, the company Blue Originled by Jeff Bezossuccessfully launched its heavy rocket New Glenn from Cape Canaveral, Florida. However, Blue Origin itself also faced challenges, having lost the first stage of the New Glenn while attempting to land it on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. This result, according to EFEwas also classified as a “partial success.”
Curiously, both billionaires, known for their historical rivalry, demonstrated a gesture of mutual support after their respective achievements with overtones of adversity. Musk publicly congratulated Bezos on social networks writing: “Congratulations on reaching orbit on the first try! @JeffBezos”according to EFE. Additionally, in a joking tone, Musk shared clips from the movie “Step Brothers” to illustrate the apparent “bromance” that would be emerging between them.
The explosion of the Starship and the “partial triumphs” achieved by both SpaceX as for Blue Origin reflect the ongoing challenges in the competitive private space exploration sector. In this context, FAA oversight is essential to ensure public safety and adequate regulatory compliance. In the face of these efforts, the technical advances of both companies continue to mark significant milestones.
