British officials are urging the United States to reconsider the flight path and timing of future SpaceX Starship launches after debris from recent rocket failures landed on roads and beaches in Caribbean territories earlier this year.
Rapid Increase in Launches Sparks International Concern
The request comes in the wake of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval of a significant increase in Starship launches, from five to 25 in a single year. The expansion is a priority for SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who views the frequent test launches as essential for developing reusable rocket systems aimed at future moon and Mars missions.
British Territories in the Line of Fire
But not everyone is on board. In a letter sent to Ambassador Lisa Kenna at the U.S. State Department, UK Minister of State Stephen Doughty voiced concern about the safety of residents in British territories like the Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands. These areas may be in the flight path of the next launch, known as Starship 9.
Residents in Turks and Caicos experienced the aftermath firsthand when debris from the Starship 7 explosion in January landed across populated areas, damaging a car and prompting safety concerns. Just weeks later, SpaceX launched Starship 8, which also ended in an explosion. Pieces of the falling rocket were visible across a wide area, including The Bahamas and the Florida coast. Air traffic in the region had to be rerouted because of the incident.
UK Requests Changes to Future Flights
The UK’s letter requested that the U.S. either change the launch site or alter the trajectory of the upcoming Starship 9 flight. If that’s not possible, officials are asking for a shift in timing to minimise safety risks and reduce disruptions to nearby economies and travel. The UK also asked to be given more notice and clearer communication ahead of future launches, along with details about any new safety measures being introduced.
A UK government spokesperson confirmed the concerns, saying, “We have been working closely with US Government partners regarding Starship Flight 9 to protect the safety of the UK Overseas Territories and to ensure appropriate measures are in place.”
FAA Responds with Expanded Safety Zone
The FAA stated it is in ongoing discussions with the UK and other regional stakeholders. It later announced conditional approval for the Starship 9 flight, pending completion of an investigation into the most recent launch failure. The agency has also expanded the aircraft hazard area for this mission. This area now stretches from the Gulf of Mexico deep into the Caribbean and has the potential to impact as many as 175 commercial flights.
Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos will have to close during the launch window, and sections of Bahamian airspace will also be restricted.
SpaceX Remains Silent, But Musk Chimes In
SpaceX has not yet commented on the UK’s concerns. However, following previous launch failures, the company explained that each attempt provides valuable data. After Starship 8 exploded, SpaceX said, “With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability.”
Musk has been less reserved in his public remarks. After the January explosion, he posted a video of the fiery aftermath with a light-hearted caption: “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!” He has described the failed launches as minor setbacks.
Leadership Shake-Up at FAA’s Space Office
Amid this, the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation is facing internal changes. Three top officials, including its head, recently announced their departures as part of a wider government workforce reduction initiative supported by Musk.
Although SpaceX’s ambition to develop reliable, reusable rockets is widely recognised, the recent incidents and growing launch schedule are prompting new questions about how the risks are being managed, especially as more rockets head into the skies over busy air routes and inhabited regions.
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