SpaceX Starship Explodes During Test Flight, FAA Launches Investigation

The rocket's disintegration over the ocean led to falling debris, travel disruptions, and a mandated safety review by federal regulators.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded SpaceX's Starship program pending a mishap investigation after the rocket's explosion on January 16, 2025.
Debris from the explosion was reported over the Turks and Caicos Islands, prompting FAA collaboration with SpaceX and local authorities to assess potential property damage.
SpaceX identified a fire in the rocket's aft section as the likely cause of the failure, which led to the disintegration of the vehicle approximately eight and a half minutes into the flight.
The incident caused temporary disruptions to air traffic in South Florida, with a 'Debris Response Area' established to ensure public safety.
The investigation's outcome may delay SpaceX's Starship testing schedule, which is critical to its plans for lunar missions and Mars exploration.