"A SpaceX rocket explosion elicits images of spectacle and maybe thoughts of a lot of funds up in flames. But if you're a pilot flying in an area suddenly defined by the FAA as a debris zone, you probably have other things on your mind. ProPublica analyzed flight data where a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded on January 16, 2025. We compared the plane's locations and maneuvers to the FAA's debris zone, which was based on coordinates it released to air traffic personnel."
"We identified planes inside the zone during or just after the explosion in January, as well as others that appeared to take significant action to avoid the area. Planes that had just crossed the zone or flew in parallel to it were not included. This analysis may not be comprehensive of all evasive maneuvers or disruptions caused by the explosions."
A SpaceX Starship exploded on January 16, 2025, and the FAA established a debris zone using coordinates released to air traffic personnel. Flight-tracking analysis compared aircraft positions and maneuvers with the FAA debris-zone coordinates to identify planes inside the zone during or immediately after the explosion. The analysis also identified aircraft that appeared to take significant action to avoid the area. Aircraft that had just crossed the zone or flew parallel to it were excluded from the findings. The analysis may not capture every evasive maneuver or operational disruption resulting from the explosions.
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