Starship test-flight explosion is worse than publicly disclosed

(MENAFN) A failed test flight of SpaceX’s Starship rocket earlier this year reportedly created far greater dangers for civilian air traffic than previously acknowledged, with passenger aircraft pushed into fuel emergencies and air-traffic controllers forced to take urgent action to prevent possible midair incidents, according to reviewed aviation documents.

The rocket was launched from a SpaceX facility in Texas on January 16 but malfunctioned during flight and disintegrated, scattering flaming debris across a wide area. At the time, SpaceX founder Elon Musk remarked that “success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!”

Documents cited by reports state that “the explosion rained fiery debris across parts of the Caribbean region for roughly 50 minutes,” warning that if debris had struck an aircraft, the outcome could have been catastrophic, potentially resulting in serious structural damage and loss of life.

SpaceX rejected the reporting, calling it “misleading,” and claimed journalists were “clearly spoon-fed incomplete and misleading information from detractors with ulterior motives.” In a statement posted online, the company reiterated that public safety remains its top priority.

“No aircraft have been put at risk, and any events that generated vehicle debris were contained within pre-coordinated response areas developed by the US Space Force and implemented by the FAA,” the company said.

Aviation records indicate that a passenger jet en route to Puerto Rico was warned it was approaching a hazardous zone and was instructed to hold position, with controllers later telling the crew that continuing would be “at your own risk.”
Another report noted that two aircraft came dangerously close to one another, prompting controllers to intervene to avert a possible collision.

Air-traffic controllers reportedly characterized the situation as a “potential extreme safety risk.” After declaring fuel emergencies, the affected aircraft—along with an Iberia passenger flight and a private jet—passed through temporarily restricted airspace. All three flights, carrying approximately 450 passengers in total, ultimately landed without incident.

MENAFN22122025000045017281ID1110511745