FAA grounds SpaceX's Starship, reports property damage on Turks and Caicos
The FAA grounded SpaceX's Starship after a midflight explosion on January 16, 2025, causing property damage in the Turks and Caicos Islands and significant flight disruptions. An investigation is required.
Read original article
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX's Starship following a midflight explosion during a test flight on January 16, 2025. The incident resulted in debris falling over the Turks and Caicos Islands, leading to reports of property damage, although no injuries were reported. The FAA stated that SpaceX must complete an investigation into the failure and implement any necessary corrective actions before being granted a new launch license. The explosion caused significant disruptions, prompting the diversion of numerous commercial flights from airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta. SpaceX indicated that a fire in the vehicle likely caused the rocket to break apart. The FAA has activated a "Debris Response Area" to alert aircraft of potential hazards from falling debris, which contradicted SpaceX's initial claim that debris fell within predefined hazard areas. The FAA emphasized that its information is preliminary and subject to change, while SpaceX has not provided further clarification on the matter.
- FAA has grounded SpaceX's Starship after a midflight explosion.
- Reports indicate property damage in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but no injuries occurred.
- SpaceX must complete an investigation and corrective actions before resuming launches.
- The explosion caused significant flight disruptions, affecting multiple airlines.
- FAA activated a "Debris Response Area" due to falling debris, contradicting SpaceX's initial statements.
Related
SpaceX Falcon 9 cleared to fly by FAA
SpaceX has received FAA clearance to resume Falcon 9 launches after addressing a mishap from July 11. The first post-grounding launch is scheduled for July 27, 2024, with enhanced safety measures.
FAA grounds SpaceX ahead of historic Polaris Dawn commercial spacewalk
The FAA has grounded SpaceX rockets after a Falcon 9 booster failure, affecting the Polaris Dawn mission and potentially delaying NASA's astronaut transport plans to the ISS.
SpaceX grounds its Falcon rocket fleet after upper stage misfire
SpaceX has grounded its Falcon rocket fleet after a second stage misfire during the Crew 9 mission, raising concerns for upcoming NASA and ESA missions and prompting an FAA investigation.
US and Turks and Caicos to inquire into failed SpaceX launch leading to debris
The FAA and Turks and Caicos officials are investigating a SpaceX Starship failure that caused debris to fall in the Caribbean, resulting in ground shaking but no reported injuries.
SpaceX Starship explosion forced FAA to divert flights to avoid debris
A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a test flight near Puerto Rico, causing the FAA to divert flights and resulting in delays for Jet Blue and American Airlines.
2 commentsRelated
SpaceX Falcon 9 cleared to fly by FAA
SpaceX has received FAA clearance to resume Falcon 9 launches after addressing a mishap from July 11. The first post-grounding launch is scheduled for July 27, 2024, with enhanced safety measures.
FAA grounds SpaceX ahead of historic Polaris Dawn commercial spacewalk
The FAA has grounded SpaceX rockets after a Falcon 9 booster failure, affecting the Polaris Dawn mission and potentially delaying NASA's astronaut transport plans to the ISS.
SpaceX grounds its Falcon rocket fleet after upper stage misfire
SpaceX has grounded its Falcon rocket fleet after a second stage misfire during the Crew 9 mission, raising concerns for upcoming NASA and ESA missions and prompting an FAA investigation.
US and Turks and Caicos to inquire into failed SpaceX launch leading to debris
The FAA and Turks and Caicos officials are investigating a SpaceX Starship failure that caused debris to fall in the Caribbean, resulting in ground shaking but no reported injuries.
SpaceX Starship explosion forced FAA to divert flights to avoid debris
A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a test flight near Puerto Rico, causing the FAA to divert flights and resulting in delays for Jet Blue and American Airlines.