SpaceX Launch Debris Grounds Florida Airports

DALLAS — At 7:29 PM tonight, Orlando International Airport (MCO) tweeted that it was under a Ground Stop due to debris from a SpaceX launch in the area. 

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted the Ground Stop an hour ago, allowing normal operations to resume at MCO, departures from Miami International (MIA) currently face an average delay of 15 minutes for the same reason, with delays expected to increase.

The debris was related to the SpaceX Starship FLT-8 launch, which took place from Boca Chica, Texas, at 6:30 PM ET. Unfortunately, the mission, intended to be a key test flight, was cut short again. 

After a successful liftoff, communication with the upper-stage vehicle was lost approximately 8 minutes into the flight. This failure mirrors the one seen in January when the Starship mega-rocket exploded during a test. The flight ended prematurely after several engines cut off, and the spacecraft began to spin.

It is worth noting that “Mechazilla” caught the Super Heavy booster on its return to the launch pad.

Passengers traveling through MIA should expect continued delays as the aftermath of the launch is cleared.

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