SpaceX Starship Breaks Apart After Launch, Disrupting Air Traffic

A SpaceX Starship rocket broke apart minutes after launching from Texas, disrupting airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico due to falling debris. The rocket, carrying its first test payload of mock satellites, lost contact with mission control eight minutes after liftoff at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT).

Video captured by Reuters showed streaks of orange light over Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as fragments descended. SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot confirmed the loss, citing an upper-stage anomaly. Elon Musk later revealed a liquid oxygen leak caused pressure buildup, leading to the breakup.

The mishap forced dozens of flights to alter routes or delay departures from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, according to FlightRadar24. The FAA briefly diverted planes in the debris area but resumed normal operations soon after. While space launches routinely close airspace, anomalies like this expand restricted zones to protect aircraft.

This failure marked SpaceX’s seventh Starship test since 2023. The “new generation” upper stage, 2 meters taller than previous models, aimed to achieve a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The setback challenges Musk’s goal of conducting 12 Starship launches this year, as the FAA may open an investigation, potentially grounding further flights.

The incident follows Blue Origin’s successful New Glenn rocket launch just a day earlier. Musk, maintaining optimism, posted a video of the debris on X, commenting, "Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!"

Despite the setback, SpaceX remains focused on advancing Starship technology for future Mars missions and satellite deployments. The reusable Super Heavy booster, however, successfully returned to its launchpad.

SpaceX’s test-to-failure approach continues to push engineering limits while facing challenges from regulatory scrutiny and public safety concerns.