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Nearly a week after SpaceX’s megarocket broke apart into tiny pieces of fiery debris, the rocket company is having to launch an investigation into reports of property damage with bits of Starship allegedly washing up onto the shores of Turks and Caicos.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation to determine the root cause of the untimely disassembly of Starship’s upper stage during the rocket’s recent test flight. FAA is also working with SpaceX to confirm allegations that Starship’s rocket debris resulted in public property damage on Turks and Caicos, according to an emailed statement from the administration. Starship’s upcoming test flights are on pause until the investigation wraps up, a development that potentially slows down SpaceX’s ongoing roll with the revolutionary launch vehicle’s progress.
On Thursday, January 16, Starship lifted off for the seventh time from the Boca Chica launch mount, inching itself closer to becoming a fully reusable, super heavy-lift launch vehicle. After the giant Mechazilla tower successfully caught the rocket’s booster in its arms, Starship’s upper stage had a less fortunate finale to its test flight. An unidentified anomaly resulted in the “rapid unscheduled disassembly” of the upper stage, according to a SpaceX release. In other words, the rocket’s upper stage exploded, raining down fiery streaks of debris over the Atlantic Ocean.
“During the event, the FAA activated a Debris Response Area and briefly slowed aircraft outside the area where space vehicle debris was falling or stopped aircraft at their departure location,” the FAA wrote. “Several aircraft requested to divert due to low fuel levels while holding outside impacted areas.”
A Debris Response Area indicates that debris from the rocket fell outside of the designated hazard area. As SpaceX claimed in a statement issued on Friday, however, “Any surviving pieces of debris would have fallen into the designated hazard area.” Although there were no reported injuries, reports online show alleged debris from the rocket, mostly heat shield tiles, washing up on the shore in Turks and Caicos. “If you believe you have identified a piece of debris, please do not attempt to handle or retrieve the debris directly,” the company added in its statement.
Man finds starship 6 heat shield tile on the beach.
pic.twitter.com/48vshuJYID
— Patrick O’Malley (@QuantumOMalley) November 21, 2024
The Turks and Caicos National Security Secretariat released a memo on Friday, indicating “reports of only minimal damage to property at this time.” The Secretariat is “not at this time aware of any specific risks related to the re-entry of space debris on Thursday 16 January. However, space objects can sometimes contain hazardous materials which can cause serious harm to health,” the memo added. The National Security Secretariat advised members of the public not to touch the debris if they do find it, and to notify authorities of its location.
As SpaceX works through the FAA-mandated investigation, Starship will stay grounded until property damage reports are reviewed and the cause of the breakup is identified. “A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety,” the FAA wrote.
SpaceX’s founder and CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly complained about the FAA and other regulatory bodies holding back his company’s progress and Starship’s journey to orbit. The latest incident will likely only add to the tension between the private company and the regulations looming over it.
