SpaceX Starship Explosion Endangers Three Flights

A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded shortly after liftoff from Texas on January 16, scattering debris across the Caribbean and endangering three commercial and private flights carrying about 450 passengers, according to Federal Aviation Administration documents.

The uncrewed test flight, the seventh in the program's history, disintegrated about eight minutes into its ascent, creating a shower of fiery fragments visible from aircraft cockpits and cabins. The debris field persisted for roughly 50 minutes, prompting air traffic controllers to establish a temporary no-fly zone. Pilots on a JetBlue flight bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico, an Iberia Airlines flight, and a private jet faced stark choices: navigate the hazard or risk fuel shortages over open water. Controllers warned the JetBlue crew that proceeding to San Juan would be at their own risk and instructed them to enter a holding pattern.

One pilot declared a fuel emergency and responded to instructions from Puerto Rico controllers by stating, "In that case, we declare emergency. Mayday. Mayday. Mayday." The three aircraft ultimately transited the restricted airspace and landed safely without incident or injury. However, the...