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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation following the explosion of SpaceX’s Starship during its seventh test flight on January 16, 2025. The launch, conducted at the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas, initially progressed as planned, with the Super Heavy booster successfully returning to base after separation. However, complications arose during the upper stage’s journey, resulting in its explosion approximately 8.5 minutes post-liftoff, scattering debris over the Atlantic Ocean near the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Details of the Incident and FAA’s Response

According to a report by space.com, the Starship’s upper stage was intended to release ten dummy satellites and complete its mission with a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Instead, the 171-foot spacecraft failed before reaching its milestones. SpaceX, led by CEO Elon Musk, has suggested that a propellant leak may have ignited a fire in the ship’s aft section, contributing to the failure. The FAA has confirmed its requirement for a mishap investigation to identify the root cause and ensure necessary corrective measures are implemented.

Impact on Public Safety and Aviation

FAA officials have acknowledged that debris from the explosion prompted the activation of a Debris Response Area. Aircraft in the vicinity were instructed to hold or divert, with several citing low fuel concerns while awaiting clearance. Reports are being reviewed to confirm any potential public property damage on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Steps Toward Recovery

As per reports, SpaceX will spearhead the investigation under FAA oversight, with the agency retaining authority over the final report’s approval. SpaceX has already completed construction of the components for Starship’s next flight test and is advancing its rapid development strategy. The company has expressed its commitment to refining the vehicle’s design, aiming to achieve a fully reusable space transportation system for future missions.

SpaceX’s ambitious plans for Starship include supporting human exploration efforts and establishing a sustained presence on Mars.

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NASA Confirms Brightening Comet SWAN Could Be Visible With Binoculars: When and Where to See It

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Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), discovered via NASA’s SOHO spacecraft, is rapidly brightening as it nears its October 20–21 Earth flyby. Skywatchers should look to the western horizon after sunset to spot its vivid green coma and tail — possibly visible to the naked eye in dark conditions.

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Mysterious Asteroid Impact Found in Australia, But the Crater is Missing

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Scientists have identified 11-million-year-old glass fragments in South Australia that record a massive asteroid impact never before known. Despite the event’s magnitude, the crater remains undiscovered, raising new questions about how often large asteroids have struck Earth and their role in shaping its surface.

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Ryugu Samples Reveal Ancient Water Flow on Asteroid for a Billion Years

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Microscopic samples from asteroid Ryugu reveal that liquid water once flowed through its parent body long after its formation. The finding, led by University of Tokyo scientists, suggests that such asteroids may have delivered far more water to early Earth than previously thought, offering a new perspective on how our planet’s oceans originated.

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