An investigation published October 8, 2026, reported that a redacted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mishap report described SpaceX using public videos from Disney and Royal Caribbean cruise ships and a Club Med resort to help count and track debris after Starship Flight 7 broke apart over the Caribbean on January 16, 2025.
What the videos contributed to tracking
The report described maps marking where some footage was recorded. Those locations helped SpaceX understand how debris moved after the breakup. The account links the videos to debris tracking, while the reported map details do not specify a complete debris path.
How FAA airspace restrictions fit in
The FAA reportedly used information from SpaceX and modeling by the U.S. Space Force to define launch no-fly zones and post-mishap debris-response areas. A no-fly zone restricts aircraft from entering designated airspace; a debris-response area helps guide action after a mishap.
Before Flight 9, the FAA reportedly expanded the prelaunch restricted airspace to nearly twice its earlier size.
Historical footage shows debris over a resort
A 50-second clip of the Flight 7 breakup shows bright trails crossing the night sky, including a view from a coastal resort. It offers a visual example of eyewitness footage from the event.
The separate Flight 8 engine-test report
A separate Flight 8 report reportedly said SpaceX lacked a test stand capable of testing engines for a full Starship mission before that flight.
