WASHINGTON: A SpaceX Starship rocket disintegrated in flight minutes after launching from Texas on Thursday evening. The mishap forced airlines to redirect flights over the Gulf of Mexico, disrupting schedules and setting back Elon Musk’s ambitious rocket program.
Communication Lost with Starship
The upgraded Starship carried a test payload of mock satellites but no crew. It lost communication eight minutes after liftoff at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT). SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot confirmed the incident, stating the upper stage experienced an anomaly.
Fiery Trails Seen Over Haiti
Reuters captured footage showing glowing debris over Port-au-Prince, leaving smoke trails across the sky. The visual spectacle alarmed viewers but confirmed the rocket’s breakup.
Rare Impact on Air Traffic
While SpaceX incidents occur, their impact on flights is unusual. This event caused significant flight disruptions and diversions. Commercial flights over the Gulf altered paths to avoid debris. FlightRadar24 reported dozens of diversions, along with delays at Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports.
FAA Responds Quickly
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed airspace near the affected zone. Planes were rerouted until debris stopped posing a threat. FAA procedures include creating a “debris response area” when vehicles fail outside initial closures.
Past Failures Recalled
The last Starship failure happened in March 2023 over the Indian Ocean. However, it didn’t disrupt air traffic like this one.
Musk’s Statement on the Incident
Elon Musk shared a video of the debris field on social media platform X. He commented, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” Despite setbacks, Musk often embraces risk as part of innovation.
Implications for SpaceX’s Program
This incident could delay SpaceX’s goals for the Starship program. The rocket is critical for missions to Mars and other milestones. Industry observers note the setback but acknowledge the ambitious nature of Musk’s vision.
The situation highlights the challenges of developing groundbreaking technology. While setbacks occur, they often pave the way for future improvements. SpaceX aims to resolve the issue and resume testing soon. The Starship’s potential remains significant, despite the risks.