SpaceX’s efforts to retrieve debris following the dramatic explosion of its Starship launch vehicle last week have encountered unexpected obstacles. The company revealed on Thursday that recovery attempts have been obstructed, and it is now seeking official cooperation from Mexico as legal scrutiny builds.
The test launch, conducted from Texas, ended in a fiery blast when the spacecraft suffered what the company has described as a “major anomaly.” Videos circulating online show at least two rapid-fire explosions tearing through the night sky. The resulting debris scattered widely, possibly crossing into Mexican territory.
“Despite ongoing recovery efforts, unauthorized individuals have interfered by trespassing on private property,” SpaceX stated on X. “The debris remains SpaceX property, and its retrieval is vital for safety analysis and technological advancement.”
The spaceflight company has officially appealed to Mexican authorities for help, offering logistical and technical support to manage both the environmental aftermath and the safe return of debris components.
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government is conducting an investigation into the environmental and jurisdictional implications of rocket launches that affect Mexican soil—especially in the state of Tamaulipas, which lies near the border.
“We’re currently reviewing potential violations of international environmental regulations,” Sheinbaum explained during a morning press conference. “There is clear evidence of contamination, and appropriate action will follow.”
This is not the first high-profile failure involving SpaceX’s ambitious Mars rocket program. Earlier incidents include a Starship vehicle disintegrating in January and scattering debris over the Caribbean, with one fragment reportedly damaging a vehicle in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In March, another flight failure forced the FAA to close airspace over Florida due to risk of falling debris.
SpaceX, despite repeated setbacks, continues to push forward with Starship’s development, targeting long-duration missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
