Almost a week after SpaceX‘s mega rocket shattered into tiny pieces of fiery debris, the rocket company is being forced to launch an investigation into reports of property damage as the Starship’s wreckage allegedly washed up on the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring SpaceX to investigate the incident to determine the root cause of the late dismantling of the Starship’s upper stage during a recent test flight. The FAA is also working with SpaceX to confirm allegations that debris from the Starship rocket caused damage to public property in the Turks and Caicos Islands, according to an emailed statement from the administration. Future Starship test flights have been put on hold until the investigation is complete, potentially slowing SpaceX’s progress on its revolutionary launch vehicle.
On Thursday, January 16, Starship lifted off for the seventh time from the Boca Chica launch pad, moving closer to becoming a fully reusable super-heavy-lift launch vehicle. After the giant Mechazilla tower successfully grabbed the rocket’s booster in its arms, Starship’s upper stage had a less successful end to the test flight. An unknown anomaly led to a “rapid unplanned dismantling” of the upper stage, according to SpaceX. In other words, the upper stage of the rocket exploded, sending fiery bands of debris over the Atlantic Ocean.
“During the event, the FAA activated a debris response area and briefly slowed aircraft outside the spacecraft debris impact zone or stopped aircraft at the point of departure,” the FAA wrote. “Several aircraft were asked to divert due to low fuel levels while outside the debris impact zone.”
The debris response zone indicates that the rocket debris fell outside the designated danger zone. However, according to SpaceX in a statement released on Friday, “any surviving debris would have fallen within the designated hazardous area.” Although no injuries have been reported, there have been online reports that rocket debris, mostly heat shield tiles, has washed ashore in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “If you believe you have identified the debris, please do not attempt to directly move or retrieve it,” the company added in a statement.
The Turks and Caicos National Security Secretariat released a memorandum on Friday stating that “only minimal damage to property has been reported at this time.” The Secretariat “is not aware of any specific risks associated with the fall of space debris on Thursday, January 16. However, space objects can sometimes contain hazardous materials that can cause serious health hazards,” the statement said. The Homeland Security Secretariat has advised members of the public not to touch the debris if they find it and to notify authorities of its location.
While SpaceX conducts an FAA-ordered investigation, Starship will remain grounded until property damage reports are reviewed and the cause of the accident is determined. “Return to flight is contingent upon the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the incident does not impact public safety,” the FAA wrote.
SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly complained that the FAA and other regulators are holding back his company’s progress and Starship’s journey into orbit. The latest incident will likely only increase the tension between the private company and the regulators hovering over it.
