How did the SpaceX Starship explosion endanger passenger jets?

The Starship's explosion scattered debris over the Caribbean, forcing three passenger jets to navigate through the hazardous area, with one crew warned the flight was 'at their own risk.'

What was the FAA's role in the SpaceX incident?

The FAA is investigating SpaceX for failing to immediately report the Starship explosion's debris hazard to air traffic controllers, as required by protocol.

Where did the dangerous SpaceX test flight take place?

The SpaceX Starship test flight explosion occurred over the Caribbean, impacting air traffic routes.

Home / Technology / SpaceX Rocket Near-Miss: Jets Flew Through Debris Field

SpaceX Rocket Near-Miss: Jets Flew Through Debris Field

21 Dec

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Summary

Three passenger jets carrying 450 people flew through a SpaceX debris field.
JetBlue passengers were warned their flight was 'at your own risk.'
FAA investigated SpaceX for failing to notify air traffic control.

SpaceX Rocket Near-Miss: Jets Flew Through Debris Field

A SpaceX Starship test flight conducted in January, aiming for Mars colonization, resulted in a mid-air explosion that endangered three passenger jets over the Caribbean. The incident, occurring less than ten minutes after liftoff, forced controllers to issue warnings to affected flights, including a JetBlue service to San Juan, stating the journey was undertaken 'at your own risk.' These flights, carrying a combined total of 450 passengers, navigated through a debris field for nearly an hour, with one controller intervening to prevent a near-collision between two aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is probing SpaceX's actions following the explosion, as the company allegedly failed to immediately report the incident through the required official channels. Air traffic controllers in Miami reportedly learned of the debris hazard only after pilots encountered it during their flights. This lack of timely communication prompted the FAA to investigate improved protocols for managing potential debris from future rocket launches.