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Starship Rocket Explodes, Debris Lights Up Night Sky

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Starship Rocket Explodes, Debris Lights Up Night Sky

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On January 16, 2025, SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded during its seventh test flight shortly after stage separation. The launch from Starbase in Brownsville, Texas, initially appeared successful as the Super Heavy Booster returned safely to the pad. However, the upper stage, Starship, suffered a catastrophic failure due to an oxygen/fuel leak, according to CEO Elon Musk.

Debris from the explosion was observed streaking across the night sky, particularly near the Turks and Caicos Islands. Videos shared on social media captured the spectacle, prompting temporary flight diversions and delays at Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) activated safety protocols to manage air traffic during the incident.

SpaceX stated the rocket remained within its planned trajectory, ensuring public safety. The company is investigating the failure and aims to resume testing soon. This marks the third explosion of a Starship rocket during test flights, highlighting the challenges of advancing space exploration technology.