The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating reports that debris from the unsuccessful Starship test flight caused property damage in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In a January 17th statement, the FAA confirmed it requires SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation into the January 16th Starship/Super Heavy test flight. During this launch, the Starship upper stage disintegrated late in its ascent.
“The FAA is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle during launch operations on Jan. 16,” the agency stated. “There are no reports of public injury, and the FAA is working with SpaceX and appropriate authorities to confirm reports of public property damage on Turks and Caicos.”
While the FAA didn't elaborate on the property damage reports, online posts from individuals in the Turks and Caicos show debris believed to be from Starship, including its distinctive hexagonal tiles.
“There are no reported injuries and reports of only minimal damage to property at this time,” the National Security Secretariat of the Turks and Caicos Islands government stated on January 17th. It advised people finding debris to avoid handling it and contact officials.
“Like many across Turks and Caicos Islands, I shared the concern caused by the outfall of debris and bright colors in the sky yesterday evening,” Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, governor of the islands, told a local publication. She confirmed the government's collaboration with the FAA and the U.K. Space Agency to investigate and manage risks.
The FAA's statement also confirmed that debris fell outside designated areas, impacting air traffic. A Debris Response Area was activated, leading to several aircraft altering flight paths.
SpaceX, however, claimed debris remained within designated zones. “Starship flew within its designated launch corridor – as all U.S. launches do to safeguard the public both on the ground, on water and in the air,” the company stated. “Any surviving pieces of debris would have fallen into the designated hazard area.”
SpaceX hasn't detailed the Starship failure, stating only that telemetry was lost after approximately eight and a half minutes, due to a fire leading to rapid disassembly. They are conducting a thorough investigation with the FAA to implement corrective actions.