[FAA] Documents Show Starship Debris Endangered Three Airplanes

A new report from The Wall Street Journal, based on internal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents, claims a SpaceX Starship test flight created an extreme safety risk for commercial aircraft. The January 16, 2025, uncrewed launch from Starbase, Texas, ended in a mid-flight explosion. This mishap scattered fiery Starship rocket debris across the Caribbean for nearly an hour.

Extreme Safety Risk for Commercial Aviation

[FAA] records show three passenger flights carrying roughly 450 people were directly affected. These included a JetBlue flight headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, an Iberia Airlines flight, and a private jet. The incident severely complicated air traffic controllers Miami operations.

Air traffic controllers were forced to rapidly reroute planes to avoid the falling debris. The unexpected delays and rerouting led to two of the aircraft declaring fuel emergencies. To land safely, these planes flew through a temporary no-fly debris zone. Controllers warned the [JetBlue San Juan flight] crew that continuing was "at your own risk."

In addition to the debris risk, the sudden rerouting caused another major safety issue. The increased workload on controllers led to a near-collision between two aircraft. Controllers had to intervene to prevent the potential accident.

Regulatory and Operational Failures

The incident highlighted potential gaps in spaceflight air traffic control procedures. [FAA] documents allege that [SpaceX] failed to use the required official hotline immediately after the failure. Instead, controllers first learned of the explosion from pilots who reported visible debris sightings.

This delay forced controllers to improvise traffic clearance around hastily activated debris response areas. The [FAA] later described the situation as a "potential extreme safety risk."

SpaceX Denies Claims of Commercial Aviation Flight Risk

[SpaceX] strongly rejected the [Wall Street Journal report], calling it misleading and incomplete. In a public statement, the company insisted that public safety remains its top priority. They asserted that "No aircraft have been put at risk."

[SpaceX] maintains that all debris was contained within pre-coordinated response areas. These zones are developed by the U.S. Space Force and implemented by the [FAA].

Some airlines involved have also downplayed the danger. A spokesperson for [Iberia Airlines] stated their flight passed through the area only after the debris had already fallen.

Growing Concerns Over Rocket Launch Safety Regulations

The conflicting accounts underscore the growing challenge of integrating space launches into busy airspace. The number of commercial launches is projected to increase sharply, potentially reaching 200 to 400 annually.

Following the January incident, the [FAA] convened an expert panel to reassess debris risks. However, the agency reportedly suspended the safety review in August. This move is unusual, as agency policies call for such reviews to address identified safety risks.

• The [FAA] is seeking better real-time tracking of rockets and debris.
• The goal is to allow controllers to manage rocket failures more like fast-moving weather events.
• The ongoing debate highlights the need for stronger rocket launch safety regulations to protect commercial aviation flight risk.

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