Endangered Turtles Share Mexican Beach with SpaceX Rocket Debris, as Company Claims No Risk of Harm

NewsBlog

4 Jul 2025 - 23:10 WIB

The aftermath of SpaceX rocket launches has left a troubling legacy on Bagdad Beach in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico—an ecologically sensitive region inhabited by endangered sea turtles. Since late 2024, fragments of rocket debris have been washing ashore, and a local NGO, Conibio Global, has taken on the overwhelming challenge of cleaning up the environmental mess left by one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world.

I. Rocket Debris Pollutes Mexican Shores

1. Debris from Launches Reaches Protected Coastal Areas

In recent launches from Starbase, SpaceX’s private launch site just across the U.S.-Mexico border, debris such as melted plastics, metal fragments, and blue adhesive have repeatedly landed along Mexico’s northern coastline. Environmentalists warn this poses serious threats to native wildlife, especially the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that nest on Bagdad Beach.

2. SpaceX’s Cleanup Response Draws Scrutiny

Jesús Elías Ibarra, founder of Conibio Global, witnessed a rocket booster land in the Gulf of Mexico in November 2024. He noted that on that occasion, SpaceX quickly dispatched helicopters and boats for retrieval. However, following a May 2025 launch, Ibarra reported that the organization collected over a ton of debris within just 500 meters of shoreline, with no direct cleanup effort by the company. He emphasized that their limited team is unable to handle the scale of the pollution.

II. Environmental and Legal Ramifications

1. Waste Handled by Local Authorities

The NGO turned over the collected materials to Mexico’s environmental protection agency, PROFEPA. The waste included aluminum bearing SpaceX logos, rubber-like materials, spongy plastics, and steel piping.

2. SpaceX Issues Statement, Claims Cleanup Support

In response to inquiries, SpaceX referred CNN to a June 26 post on social media platform X, asserting that it had offered assistance and requested help from Mexican authorities to recover debris. The company also cited safety tests claiming the materials posed no toxic or chemical risk. Under the Outer Space Treaty, SpaceX retains ownership of debris from its launches.

3. NGO and Local Government Seek Greater Accountability

Ibarra confirmed that Conibio Global has not had any direct contact with SpaceX. He stated that the cleanup effort has already cost the group more than $26,000 in supplies, fuel, and wages. Although the Mexican government has supported the group’s efforts, Ibarra claimed that SpaceX drones monitored and filmed their activities during one site visit—an act he described as harassment.

III. Ongoing Environmental Risks

1. Wildlife in Danger from Debris Exposure

Ibarra warned that some of the materials scattered along the shore could be ingested by sea turtles, posing a fatal threat. He also believes rocket-induced vibrations are compacting the sand where turtle eggs are buried, preventing hatchlings from surfacing. He reported the death of at least 300 baby turtles due to these conditions.

2. Vegetation and Infrastructure Affected

According to Ibarra, the rocket blast also scorched local vegetation along the Rio Bravo and knocked down trees, which fell near small communities. He added that minor structural damages were observed in several towns across the Tamaulipas-Texas border region.

3. Experts Advise Public Not to Handle Debris

Marlon Sorge from The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies cautioned against touching space debris, noting it may contain hazardous substances and could compromise investigations.

IV. Government and Public Response

1. Mexican Authorities Begin to Intervene

Following an explosion during a June 19 launch, more large fragments were found on Mexican territory. This prompted engagement from federal officials. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the issue publicly, acknowledging pollution from the launches and stating that her government is reviewing the situation under international law, with potential legal action on the table.

2. NGO Monitors Launches and Collects Evidence

Conibio Global now monitors SpaceX’s launch schedule and visits impacted sites to document and recover debris. Their focus has been on Bagdad Beach and communal farmland in Matamoros, areas frequently affected by falling rocket parts.

3. SpaceX Claims Trespassing Complicated Recovery

In its public statement, SpaceX argued that unauthorized individuals had trespassed on private property, hindering recovery efforts. However, CNN has contacted both the company and the Government of Tamaulipas for clarification on the specific properties referenced. So far, no response has been received.

Conclusion

While SpaceX continues expanding its aerospace ambitions, the environmental costs are mounting for communities across the Mexican border. NGOs like Conibio Global are working tirelessly—often at great financial and personal cost—to clean up the debris and protect endangered wildlife. With growing public attention and official acknowledgment, the pressure is building for stronger oversight and accountability regarding the environmental consequences of space exploration.

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