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Mexico Weighs Legal Action Against SpaceX Over Cross-Border Rocket Debris

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Published Jul 2, 2025, 04:03 PM

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on 25 June that her administration is conducting a legal and environmental review of SpaceX launches after confirming rocket debris has landed in Tamaulipas. Sheinbaum told reporters the government will pursue claims under international law if the company is found to have violated safety or environmental rules.

The probe follows the 19 June explosion of a Starship prototype at SpaceX’s Starbase site in South Texas, about 13 kilometres from Matamoros. Environmental group Conibio Global reports collecting more than a tonne of metal and plastic fragments along a 500-metre stretch of Bagdad Beach, a nesting ground for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Local officials also cited minor property damage linked to blast vibrations.

SpaceX rejected the contamination allegations in a 26 June statement, saying independent toxicity tests show no chemical, biological or toxicological risk from the debris. The company offered resources to assist in cleanup and asked Mexican authorities for help recovering its property, arguing previous attempts were hindered by unauthorised collectors. Mexico’s environment ministry and navy are analysing the material while federal officials weigh potential domestic and international legal action.

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