A piece of wreckage from SpaceX’s Starship rocket booster, known as Booster 13, drifted in the Gulf of Mexico for about 20 hours before sinking. The incident occurred on November 19, after the booster returned to Earth from a successful launch that reached an altitude of 60 miles.
The wreckage was spotted floating in the water by multiple videos, showing it appearing like a silver monolith until it exploded seconds after hitting the surface. Despite this explosion, the booster continued to float for another 18 hours before finally sinking into the Gulf.
Experts speculate that a second ship could have been used to tow back the Starship had it remained intact after landing. However, SpaceX’s plan is to divert boosters to land in the Gulf if a landing at the tower isn’t possible.
The incident has raised questions about what to do with spacecraft floating in the Gulf. The Federal Aviation Administration states that “if in an off-nominal event, Super Heavy did not sink, SpaceX would attempt to scuttle Super Heavy.” This plan includes opening valves or reorienting the craft to take on water, and if those tactics fail, using a firearm or remote-operated vessel to puncture the outer shell of the vehicle.
The Coast Guard monitored the situation but stated that SpaceX is ultimately responsible for ensuring the rocket doesn’t become a hazard. The incident highlights the challenges of landing spacecraft in the ocean, as well as the need for new technologies and strategies to address these issues.
Source: https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/spacex-starship-video-rocket-booster-19945445.php