FAA Halts Flights to Several Airports in Florida After SpaceX’s Starship Upper Stage Disintegrates

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decided to halt flights to several airports in Florida on Thursday night after SpaceX’s Starship upper stage broke apart, causing debris to fall along the coast. The failed test flight resulted in disruptions to airports in Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as Philadelphia, highlighting a concerning trend of SpaceX rockets occupying airspace.

Starship’s Eighth Test Flight Ends in Failure

SpaceX’s Starship rocket launched on Thursday, March 6, at around 6:30 p.m. ET from Boca Chica, Texas, for its eighth test flight. Although the rocket’s Super Heavy 232-foot-tall booster performed smoothly and landed safely, the upper stage experienced a major failure, spinning uncontrollably before disintegrating moments after launch.

SpaceX’s Statement on the Incident

"During Starship’s ascent burn, the vehicle experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly and contact was lost," SpaceX stated on X. "Our team immediately began coordination with safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses."

As one Twitter user noted, the debris from the failed launch raised concerns about the safety of airspace: "How would you like to see this above your #catamaran? #SpaceX #Elon #starship8" (@GeneDoctorB)

Second Consecutive Test Flight Failure

This incident marks the second consecutive test flight of the Starship rocket where its upper stage malfunctioned, resulting in debris falling from the sky along the Florida coast. It is also the second time a Starship launch has disrupted commercial flights.

FAA Investigation and Response

The FAA will require SpaceX to conduct an investigation into the incident. "During the event, the FAA activated a Debris Response Area and briefly slowed aircraft outside the area where space vehicle debris was falling or stopped aircraft at their departure location," the agency stated. A Debris Response Area is activated when debris falls outside of the identified closed aircraft hazard areas.

Impact on Flights and Airports

The falling debris affected flights to and from Miami International Airport, as well as airports serving Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, Florida, according to CNBC. The FAA’s response ensured the safety of commercial air traffic in the region.

Previous Incident and Investigation

During the Starship’s seventh test flight in January, the upper stage suffered an engine glitch, resulting in an early shutdown and disintegration of the rocket. The incident prompted an investigation, which revealed that a "harmonic response several times stronger in flight than had been seen during testing" caused the malfunction. This means that vibrations amplified by resonance put increased stress on Starship’s propulsion system.

Growing Conflict Between SpaceX and Commercial Airlines

SpaceX’s megarocket has now experienced back-to-back glitches that disrupted commercial airlines and airports, highlighting a growing conflict between the expanding rocket business and private aerospace. As SpaceX aims to launch Starship up to 25 times in 2025, the frequency of disruptions is likely to increase.

Future of Starship Test Flights

Starship will remain grounded until the investigation is complete, but it is expected to fly again soon given SpaceX’s accelerated test schedule and ambition to reach orbit. Company executives have stated their goal to launch Starship up to 25 times in 2025, which could lead to further disruptions to commercial air traffic.