Starship Explodes During Ignition Test, Impact Reaches Mexico
SpaceX Claims "Rocket Debris Is Not Hazardous"
Mexican Government Says "Debris Caused Environmental Pollution... Considering Legal Action"
SpaceX, the space company led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, announced that it would quickly recover rocket debris in cooperation with the Mexican government, stating that "the rocket debris is not hazardous" as controversy over environmental pollution in northern Mexico spreads. On the 26th (local time), SpaceX posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, "As previously stated, there are no risks to the surrounding area," and added, "We look forward to working with the Mexican government and local authorities to recover the debris as quickly as possible."
Previously, the Mexican government confirmed environmental pollution damage caused by debris from the explosion of SpaceX's Mars exploration spacecraft, Starship, and announced plans to take legal action. On the 25th (local time), Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated at a regular press conference, "We have received reports that special waste from the United States fell in Tamaulipas State and contaminated some areas," and added, "We are considering filing a lawsuit against SpaceX within the framework of international law regarding such incidents that occur during rocket launches near the border."
On the night of the 18th, at Starbase, SpaceX's rocket launch site located at Boca Chica Beach in Texas, USA, a rocket of the spacecraft Starship exploded during a ground engine ignition test. Mexican authorities confirmed that debris fell in the area of the Bravo River (known as the Rio Grande in the United States), which is 3 to 5 kilometers in a straight line from Starbase. At the time, residents in Matamoros, a city near the US border, reported that "the sky turned orange and there was a strong shaking inside homes," according to El Sol de Tampico, a media outlet in northeastern Mexico.
In response, President Sheinbaum said, "We have issued relevant alerts in some areas of Tamaulipas, and the state government has instructed residents to avoid unnecessary contact with the debris," emphasizing, "This incident has prompted us to comprehensively review the safety issues and environmental impacts of rocket launches in the border area between the two countries."
SpaceX at the Center of Environmental Pollution Controversy
SpaceX is an American space exploration company founded by Elon Musk. Starship is a large spacecraft that SpaceX is developing for Mars exploration. SpaceX launched Starship on the 27th of last month, but the launch ended in failure after the craft became uncontrollable in space. Then, on the 20th, another ground explosion occurred during an engine combustion test. In January, March, and May, the 7th to 9th orbital test flights also failed consecutively, with the craft exploding or disintegrating each time.
On the night of the 18th, at Starbase, SpaceX's rocket launch site located at Boca Chica Beach in Texas, USA, a rocket of the spacecraft Starship exploded during a ground engine ignition test. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News
Additionally, Starbase, SpaceX's launch site in Texas, has long faced criticism for its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Earlier this month, a local environmental group protecting sea turtles on the coast of Tamaulipas, Mexico, discovered rocket debris, fueling the controversy. According to local media and environmental organizations, more than 12 metal tanks weighing about 2 tons, as well as millions of microplastics and metal fragments, were scattered along the coast and in the sea, and parts bearing the company logo were also found.
The pollution has affected about 40 kilometers of coastline, raising concerns that it could disrupt fishing and maritime navigation, as well as have a severe negative impact on the local ecosystem. The area is a major nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, and there is a risk that hatchlings, which are expected to emerge soon, could ingest plastic debris.
In response, SpaceX emphasized, "Independent tests, including toxicity analysis of debris from Starship, have confirmed that there are no chemical, biological, or toxicological hazards," and added, "A safety zone is being maintained around the test site." SpaceX also stated, "We are providing resources and support to the government for the cleanup operation," and added, "The recovery of debris has been delayed because illegal trespassers have been accessing private property without permission."
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