SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ended in an unexpected explosion, scattering debris over the northern Caribbean and prompting investigations by multiple authorities.

The Test Flight Unfolds

On January 16, 2025, SpaceX launched its seventh test flight of the Starship spacecraft from Boca Chica, Texas. The mission began smoothly, with the Super Heavy booster successfully separating from the Starship and returning to the launchpad—a maneuver that showcased SpaceX’s advancements in rocket recovery technology.

However, approximately eight minutes into the flight, the Starship’s upper stage encountered a catastrophic failure. Preliminary data suggests that a fire developed in the aft section of the ship, leading to what SpaceX refers to as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.”

Debris Over the Caribbean

The explosion resulted in a spectacular display, with glowing debris streaking across the skies over the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents and tourists captured videos of the event, sharing them widely on social media. One observer aboard the Carnival cruise ship Mardi Gras described the experience as “eerie yet awesome.”

In response to the falling debris, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly established a “Debris Response Area,” causing several commercial flights to divert to avoid potential hazards.

Investigations Underway

The FAA, in collaboration with SpaceX and local authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has initiated an investigation into the incident. While there have been no reports of injuries, officials are assessing potential property damage caused by the debris.

Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, addressed the mishap on social media, stating that a propellant leak likely led to the explosion. He emphasized that such incidents are part of the development process and expressed confidence in proceeding with the next test flight as early as next month

A Setback or a Step Forward?

Despite the explosive end to the test flight, SpaceX remains optimistic. The successful recovery of the Super Heavy booster marks a significant achievement in the company’s pursuit of fully reusable rocket systems. Moreover, the data gathered from this test flight is invaluable for refining Starship’s design and performance.