[Reading Science] "Musk, Everyone Except You Will Be Cursed"

'All-Time Strongest' Starship Launch, Surroundings Turned into 'Ssukdaepat'
Too Powerful with Strong Vibrations and Dust Causing Severe Nearby Damage
Explosion Wind Covers Debris Tens of Kilometers Away
Environmental Damage Concerns Rise Again, Some Residents Strongly Oppose

"It was truly terrifying."

Elon Musk's SpaceX is struggling with the aftermath of the largest-ever test launch of its Starship spacecraft. As the most powerful rocket in history, it generated intense vibrations and dust. Thousands of fragments fell after the explosion, turning the surrounding area into a complete wasteland. Moreover, since the launch site is located within a national wildlife refuge, concerns about environmental damage have resurfaced.

On the morning of the 20th (local time), SpaceX's most powerful space launch vehicle ever, 'Starship,' was launched from Boca Chica, Texas, USA. Photo by National Science Foundation (NSF)

On the morning of the 20th (local time), SpaceX's largest-ever Starship was launched from its own spaceport, Starbase, located in Boca Chica, southern Texas. However, it exploded just four minutes after liftoff, causing immense distress among nearby residents. The launch produced tremendous vibrations and dust comparable to a "mini earthquake," and after the explosion, debris scattered across an area spanning tens of kilometers, causing damage. Residents of Port Isabel, located six miles northwest of Starbase, experienced fear as at least one window in every house shattered due to the powerful vibrations. Sharon Almaguer, a resident of this city, told The New York Times (NYT), "I've experienced brick houses shaking a few times before, but this was truly terrifying. This launch was on a completely different level (of vibration)." A spokesperson for Port Isabel also stated, "Everywhere in the area was thickly covered with coarse sand grains." However, Port Isabel officials are reassuring residents that their health is not at risk.

Fragments of the Starship, which self-destructed after failing to separate the first and second stages four minutes into the launch, are scattered across tens of kilometers around the Gulf of Mexico. Local residents have been picking up objects believed to be Starship debris and posting photos on social media. The shockwave from the explosion was so significant that it was clearly detected by Doppler radar systems.

Concerns about environmental damage from Starship launches have existed for some time. This is because Starbase is located within a national wildlife refuge home to approximately 2,500 species of flora and fauna. Prior to this launch, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a suitability determination in June last year, stating there would be "no significant impact." However, SpaceX was required to receive a 183-page environmental protection guideline document containing as many as 75 preventive measures.

In particular, concerns have intensified as the recent launch left the surrounding area covered with sand, dust, and rocket debris, turning it into a wasteland. Some residents have begun questioning the impact on the local environment. Residents and groups in the Rio Grande Valley area near the launch pad have expressed opposition to SpaceX's operation of Starbase, stating, "They are destroying the wildlife refuge and subjecting local residents to the risk of rocket explosions."

Citizen holding a fragment of 'Starship'. Photo by Twitter

Local authorities in the area have implemented emergency measures such as imposing control measures for one to two days after the Starship launch and cleaning up dust- and debris-covered areas. The FAA maintains that since SpaceX has already taken the scheduled normal measures during rocket malfunctions and self-destruction, there is no problem.

SpaceX is trying to reassure local residents and has requested that if anyone finds rocket debris, they should not touch or remove it but report it to SpaceX. Under U.S. law, the debris remains the property of SpaceX. The company also plans to attempt a full Starship relaunch within one to two months at the earliest.

However, residents’ dissatisfaction is growing. Almaguer said, "The local community is being sacrificed," adding, "Musk may just want to get (Starship) into the air, but everyone else will be cursed."