Tega Cay resident Rikki Terry captured chilling footage of the SpaceX Starship breakup on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, while vacationing with his family in the Caribbean. The video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows an eerie stream of lights across the night sky as the rocket disintegrated, leaving a trail of debris.
The Terry family was enjoying their vacation when they witnessed the unusual event. Terry, quick to react, grabbed his phone and started recording, capturing the unsettling sight of the disintegrating spacecraft.
The footage provides a unique perspective on the failed launch, showcasing the vast debris field created by the Starship’s breakup. It serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in space travel and the importance of continued testing and development.
SpaceX’s Starship rocket, designed to be the world’s most powerful launch vehicle, experienced a catastrophic failure during its seventh test flight. The uncrewed upper stage of the rocket broke up after launch, leading to a loss of communication and a shower of debris over the Atlantic Ocean.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to pilots about the falling debris, and SpaceX confirmed that the debris fell within predefined hazard areas. The company is currently reviewing data from the test flight to determine the root cause of the failure.
Despite the setback, SpaceX remains committed to developing Starship and its potential for interplanetary travel. The company views such tests as crucial steps in the learning process and will continue to refine the rocket’s design and capabilities.
The video captured by Terry serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring yet perilous nature of space exploration and the dedication required to push the boundaries of human knowledge. It also underscores how even amidst a relaxing family vacation, moments of extraordinary events can occur and be captured thanks to the accessibility of modern technology.
