The Starship test flight on January 16, 2025 did not go as planned.Image: keystone
A new report shows that parts of the SpaceX rocket that exploded in January compromised aviation safety. One pilot even made an emergency call.
December 22, 2025, 2:56 p.mDecember 22, 2025, 2:56 p.m
The test flight of Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s Starship rocket last January did not go according to plan. The Rocket exploded over the Atlanticpieces of debris rained down to the ground. During the test, several aircraft changed course, as was already known at the time. However, it now becomes clear how precarious the situation in the air was.
Collision prevented in the air
In fact, air traffic controllers on the ground tried to guide the planes in the air around the danger zone. However, this led to an additional burden and thus a “potential extreme security risk”, like that Wall Street Journal (WSJ) quoted from a new report from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Two aircraft were flying too close to each other after the explosion, which is why an air traffic controller had to intervene to prevent a collision.
In addition, SpaceX did not immediately inform the authorities about the explosion via an official hotline. However, it stipulates this so that pilots can be informed as quickly as possible. Instead, it was the other way around: air traffic controllers learned about the debris in the air from pilots.
Video: watson/x/elon musk
Emergency call due to low fuel
Even passengers could have seen the rain of rubble from the plane. One of them was on a Delta Air Lines flight and later said the sight was impressive. But also: “What would have happened if we had been closer?”
If the debris hits a plane in the air, it can have devastating consequences. According to the airline, four planes had to be diverted that day to refuel because of the explosion because there was not enough fuel for the detour.
Planes bound for San Juan on Puerto Rico also had to be diverted – as long as they still had enough fuel. Others were divided into queues so as not to end up in a dangerous situation. Only those who had an emergency were allowed to land, as an air traffic controller is said to have told a crew. Their pilot then made a Mayday emergency call.
FAA takes action, SpaceX appeases
SpaceX tells the Wall Street Journal that the report is misleading and the information is incomplete. “Public safety was always SpaceX’s top priority during every Starship flight test,” the company is quoted as saying.
The FAA already put safety measures in place ahead of the test flight in January as rocket testing has increased. The number is expected to increase to 200 to 400 annually over the next decade. According to the WSJ, between 1989 and 2024 there were around two dozen per year. One measure is that temporary no-fly zones have been designated. They are defined before a test and are only activated if it fails.
Nevertheless, the Air Line Pilots Association is also calling for further measures. If cooperation between the various bodies involved worked better, airlines could prepare better – for example by filling up with more kerosene on flights traveling in the affected area or by postponing takeoffs.
SpaceX also wants to carry out new rocket tests next year. One is already planned for the beginning of next year, a new version of Starship will be launched. Musk already announced problems in a podcast in September. Because of the radical redesign, there could be initial teething problems. (front)