The Governor’s Office of the Cayman Islands and Hazard Management Cayman Islands have offered safety advice to the public ahead of the SpaceX Starship 12 test launch.
The authorities do not anticipate any impact on the islands, however, a notice was issued on 13 May as a “precautionary measure”.
The launch will take place from the SpaceX facility at Boca Chica, Texas, USA, between 15 and 18 May with daily launch windows running from 10:30pm to 12:43am Cayman time.
Mariners are advised to monitor official navigation warnings issued by the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, aviation operators should monitor advisories from the Cayman Airports Authority and relevant international air traffic control agencies.
In the unlikely event that any object believed to be connected to the launch is observed in Cayman, members of the public are asked to take a number of steps. They are:
- Call 911 immediately if you believe there is an immediate risk to safety
- Do not touch, approach or attempt to move the object
- Note the location and, if safe to do so, take a photograph without touching it
- Do not remain close to the object
- Otherwise, contact HMCI on (345) 945-4624
“As with all large rocket launches, standard precautionary guidance is issued for communities along or near the planned flight path,” the notice said.
“Space objects can contain materials that may be harmful if handled – as a precaution, any unidentified object should be left undisturbed and reported promptly.”
If anyone has already handled an object believed to be connected to the launch, they should place it somewhere safe where others will not come into contact with it, and notify the authorities immediately.
Local authorities are trained and equipped to assess and manage any such items safely.
Launch timings are subject to change due to technical, operational or weather‑related factors.
The government will continue to monitor developments and issue updates through official channels should further public guidance be required.
More information on the launch is available here.
