After Two SpaceX Explosions, U.K. Officials Ask FAA to Change Starship Flight Plans

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Update, May 15, 2025: The FAA has authorized the launch of Starship 9, as announced after the initial publication.

British officials have expressed concerns to the U.S. about the safety of SpaceX’s plans to launch its next Starship rocket over British territories in the Caribbean. This follows incidents earlier this year where debris from two exploded rockets fell in the region. The U.K. government’s worries were detailed in a letter to a senior American diplomat. These concerns arise after the FAA approved SpaceX’s request to increase the number of Starship launches from five to 25 this year. The U.K. officials specifically highlighted the safety risks to the public in the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and the Turks and Caicos Islands from Starship 9.

The British government’s letter to Ambassador Lisa Kenna of the U.S. State Department requested consideration of changing the launch site or trajectory of Starship 9, and if not possible, adjusting the launch timing to reduce safety risks. They also asked for more information on safety measures and advance notice for British territories. The FAA later announced the approval of Starship 9’s launch but with an expanded “Aircraft Hazard Area” affecting 175 flights in the region.

SpaceX, on the other hand, did not provide comments but emphasized learning from mistakes to enhance reliability. Elon Musk, SpaceX’s head, views the increased launches as crucial for advancing technology for lunar and Martian missions. Concerns have been raised about safety and regulatory conflicts as Musk’s businesses are regulated by agencies like the FAA.

The FAA is undergoing leadership changes as SpaceX faces fines and regulatory challenges. Research shows an increasing risk to aviation from space-related activities, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures. Airline pilots’ unions have urged better coordination between air traffic control and space operations to ensure safety for commercial flights.