The remnants of the Starship rocket, developed by the company SpaceX, were visible from various areas of Cuba, surprising residents and astronomy enthusiasts on the island.
The meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor was one of the witnesses of the event and shared his experience on social media:
"I had the opportunity to observe an extraordinary event from Varadero International Airport. At an altitude of approximately 170 kilometers, I was able to see the transit of the Starship rocket, the largest and most powerful in the world, developed by the aerospace company SpaceX. The launch took place just a few minutes ago from the Boca Chica base in Texas. An impressive spectacle for space enthusiasts and the aerospace industry," he wrote on Facebook.
The glow of the rocket was reported in various Cuban provinces, particularly in the eastern part of the country. On social media, numerous users shared images and videos of the phenomenon, expressing their surprise and curiosity:
"What is this thing?", asked a user after witnessing the scene. Another wrote: "This just passed through the sky, right now", while someone from the north of the city of Holguín exclaimed: "What the hell is this? Visible from the Central Highway".
The shared images depict a luminous phenomenon in the sky, featuring multiple bright flashes that appear to disintegrate in the atmosphere. In some photographs, an intense glow is seen amid clouds and mountains, while in others, the scene is captured from urban areas, with buildings, electrical poles, and cars in the foreground.
Starship is considered the most powerful rocket ever built and is part of Elon Musk's ambitious project for future missions to the Moon and Mars. In its most recent test, the spacecraft reached new heights and collected key data for its development.
These sightings in Cuba are possible due to the altitude of the rocket and its illumination in the atmosphere.
According to the Society of Astronomy of the Caribbean (SAC), the launch of Starship was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (Cuba time) from SpaceX's facility in Boca Chica, Texas. If successful, the spacecraft could be visible between 11 and 13 minutes later, looking northwest, approximately at 315 degrees on a mobile phone's compass, which is what happened.
“After confirming that it indeed took off, it could become visible between 11 and 13 minutes later, looking northwest or about 315 degrees on the cellphone compass,” said Eddie Irizarry, vice president of the SAC, according to a note published by Univisión.
This Starship flight takes place following the failed seventh test of the rocket, conducted on January 16, 2025, which ended in an explosion over the Atlantic Ocean.
On that occasion, although SpaceX was able to recover the booster, communication with the spacecraft was lost in space. Subsequently, several witnesses in the Caribbean reported seeing flashes in the sky, corresponding to the reentry of the rocket debris into the Earth's atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Starship Rocket Launch and its Visibility in Cuba
Why was the Starship launch visible from Cuba?
The launch of Starship was visible from Cuba due to the height and lighting of the rocket in the atmosphere. The great altitude at which the rocket flies, combined with atmospheric lighting conditions, allows the rocket's glow to be seen from long distances, including parts of Cuba.
What features does the Starship rocket have that make it special?
Starship is considered the largest and most powerful rocket ever built. It is part of an ambitious project by SpaceX for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Its design aims to be fully reusable, which could significantly reduce the costs of space travel.
How did the Cubans react to the sighting of the rocket?
Cuban citizens reacted with surprise and curiosity to the sighting of the Starship rocket in the sky. Many shared images and videos on social media, wondering what they were witnessing. The phenomenon sparked significant interest among both the scientific community and everyday citizens.
What impact does SpaceX have on the perception of space technology in Cuba?
The impact of SpaceX on the perception of space technology in Cuba is significant. The launches of rockets like Starship and Falcon 9, visible from the island, have sparked interest and admiration for advancements in aerospace technology. These events highlight the contrast between global technological progress and the technological limitations faced by Cuba.
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