Starship Explosion: Is Falling Debris a Risk We Should Worry About? | CBC News

The recent SpaceX test flight ended dramatically when the rocket broke apart, lighting up the Caribbean sky. This brilliant display captivated many viewers, but experts warn we should also consider the environmental consequences of such incidents.

Moriba Jah, an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Texas at Austin, points out that focusing solely on the spectacle ignores the potential harm to ecosystems. He compares it to admiring a nuclear bomb’s mushroom cloud while overlooking its dangerous implications.

When rockets fail, they leave behind debris that can affect marine life and human populations. The aftermath can be concerning, especially when pieces rain down into the ocean—or even on land. The recent test flight of the Starship lasted about eight and a half minutes. It involved two parts: the Starship’s upper stage and the lower Super Heavy booster. During the flight, the powerful rocket successfully separated the two stages, providing an impressive moment for spectators.

However, shortly after that, SpaceX lost contact with the upper stage. This loss led spectators in Turks and Caicos to witness the resulting debris-like fireworks in the sky. Elon Musk suggested the failure might have stemmed from an oxygen leak within the rocket. SpaceX is now collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate the incident.

In response to the debris, the FAA issued warnings and rerouted flights to ensure safety. Even though the chances of harm are low, pilots reported seeing the fiery scene from their cockpits. Jah emphasizes that air travelers deserve clarity about these risks. As he puts it, if a pilot told passengers there’s a one in 10,000 chance of not making it, many would likely choose not to fly.

Experts like Aaron Boley from the Outer Space Institute explain that the behaviors and risks associated with rocket debris are still not well understood. The extent of debris, its speed, and its potential to cause damage remain areas where more research is needed. This uncertainty reinforces the need for careful planning and risk assessment regarding rocket launches.

Successful test flights generally end with a splashdown in designated safe areas, usually over remote ocean spaces. However, even these planned landings can disrupt air travel. Airlines, like Qantas, have faced delays due to such risks. Boley points out that currently, the hope is to spread debris over a wide area, minimizing the likelihood of a direct hit on people or property.

Experts warn that as the number of rocket launches increases, so does the risk of environmental impact. A 2016 study from New Zealand suggested that even ten rocket launches could pose a minor risk to marine life. If launches increase to 100 or even 1,000, the potential for moderate to high risks rises significantly.

Experts believe space exploration should continue, but we must focus more on assessing the environmental risk that comes with it. Jah raises essential questions about the statistics and safety measures needed to ensure sustainable space exploration.