Kathrine Frich
A SpaceX experiment meant to push technical limits instead triggered concern far beyond the launch site.
Newly disclosed documents shed light on an incident that unfolded high above a busy civilian air corridor.
What began as a routine test flight ended with commercial crews facing unexpected danger, forcing authorities to step in.
Explosion mid-flight
A SpaceX test launch in January ended in an explosion that endangered three passenger aircraft flying over the Caribbean, according to documents released by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
The incident involved a Falcon 9 rocket that broke apart during flight, scattering debris across a designated airspace corridor.
The FAA said the aircraft inadvertently entered the hazard zone created by the explosion.
Crews were forced to divert and take emergency measures to protect passengers and staff.
Crews under pressure
One of the affected flights was a JetBlue aircraft bound for San Juan. ‘
FAA records show crews were warned with the message: “Flight at your own risk,” as debris spread across the area.
The planes remained in hazardous conditions for nearly an hour. Pilots were required to provide fuel status updates and, in some cases, declare an emergency while navigating away from potential debris.
All three flights eventually landed safely. Around 450 passengers were on board the aircraft involved.
FAA investigation
Following the incident, the FAA opened an investigation into the debris trajectory and SpaceX’s response.
According to the documents, SpaceX did not immediately report the failure through the agency’s official hotline.
The FAA closed its investigation in March after SpaceX implemented recommended safety measures and consulted with international aviation authorities.
Regulators said the steps taken were sufficient to prevent a repeat of the incident.
Oversight and expansion
The FAA said it will maintain active oversight of future SpaceX launches.
The announcement comes as the company plans to significantly increase its launch frequency.
SpaceX has stated ambitions to conduct up to 400 launches per year, including more frequent Starship missions.
Company representatives have not commented directly on the January incident, but have previously said test flights are designed to generate data that improves long-term reliability.
The FAA say that protecting civilian air traffic remains a priority as commercial space activity expands.
Sources: Daily Mail, Federal Aviation Administration, WP.
