The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to take swift action on Thursday, diverting multiple flights near Puerto Rico after SpaceX's Starship exploded during a test flight, sending debris hurtling towards the earth. According to the FAA, normal airspace operations have since resumed, but not before causing disruptions at nearby airports.

Data from Flightradar24 revealed that several flights entered holding patterns or changed course in the airspace near Puerto Rico shortly after the Starship's explosion. The FAA confirmed that the diversions were necessary due to the falling debris, which posed a risk to commercial air traffic.

The incident occurred during the seventh test flight of SpaceX's heavy launch system, which lifted off from the company's facility in Boca Chica, Texas. Although the Starship portion of the rocket failed to reach orbit, SpaceX did manage to catch the massive booster rocket on its descent with the launch tower for the second time ever. The test flight was intended to test new equipment and upgrades on the Starship.

The explosion and subsequent debris field sparked widespread attention on social media, with videos and images of the incident going viral. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk even shared one of the videos on X, joking that "Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!"

This incident is not the first time SpaceX has faced criticism for its rocket launches. Earlier this week, Qantas airlines complained that debris from SpaceX's launches was causing delays to some flights. The Australian airline's concerns highlight the growing tension between commercial air traffic and private space companies like SpaceX, which are increasingly launching rockets into the same airspace.

The FAA's swift response to the incident demonstrates the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety of commercial air traffic. However, the incident also raises questions about the long-term implications of private space companies launching rockets into crowded airspace. As the space industry continues to grow, it is likely that incidents like this will become more frequent, highlighting the need for greater coordination and regulation between government agencies, airlines, and private space companies.

In the aftermath of the incident, SpaceX will likely face increased scrutiny over its testing procedures and safety protocols. The company's ability to recover from this setback and continue to push the boundaries of space technology will be closely watched by the industry and the public alike.