During its first launch, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket caused significant damage. On April 20, SpaceX’s fully-integrated Starship launch vehicle lifted off from the company’s Starbase test facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The rocket flew for just over four minutes on its first orbital test flight before automated systems initiated a destructive abort procedure, causing the rocket to explode. Despite the destruction, the success of Starship clearing its launch tower indicates significant progress for SpaceX. However, debris and dust from the launch were sent flying for miles, causing concerns for local residents. Some reported broken windows and described it as a “mini earthquake.” The City of Port Isabel confirmed that the spray of Starship detritus posed no health risk and was sand and dust lofted airborne by the rocket’s liftoff. The launch complex is in need of major cleanup efforts, with debris large enough to crush a car sent flying in every direction. Despite concerns from some residents and organizations about SpaceX’s activities in the area, Elon Musk stated that the company is aiming for another launch of a fully integrated Starship in “1 to 2 months.”
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