SpaceX stated in a release: "It is evident that journalists have been fed one-sided and misleading information by agenda-driven opponents. At best, this demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the mature tools used by safety regulators for airspace management—tools that are based on clear standards, scientific principles, and proven effectiveness in safeguarding public safety. In any case, this false narrative, built on anonymous sources and unscientific analysis, is misleading the public."
SpaceX emphasized, "To be clear, public safety has always been SpaceX’s top priority during every Starship flight test. No aircraft has ever been at risk, and all incidents involving vehicle debris have been contained within pre-coordinated hazard areas planned by the U.S. Space Force and enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These hazard zones are conservatively defined, with ample coverage, and air traffic controllers have actively rerouted all aircraft in real-time based on actual debris impact locations within the broader pre-coordinated hazard area."
SpaceX further affirmed, "SpaceX is committed to the responsible use of airspace during launch and return operations, prioritizing public safety to protect people on the ground, at sea, and in the air."
Earlier reports citing FAA documents suggested that the January 16 Starship explosion posed a greater danger to airborne flights than publicly disclosed. The reports claimed that following the explosion, two commercial airliners and a private jet had to cross restricted debris clearance zones due to fuel emergencies.
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