  This study examines the characteristics, composition, and origin of fine
particle debris samples collected following the launch of the first Starship
orbital test flight, which suggests a new launch pad failure mode previously
unknown. Particle shapes, sizes, bulk densities, and VIS/NIR/MIR spectra, of
collected fine particle material from Port Isabel, TX, were analyzed and
compared to pulverized concrete, Fondag (high temperature concrete), limestone,
and sand recovered from the area near the Starship launch pad after this test
flight. Raman spectroscopy was also used to determine mineral compositions of
each sample. Results suggest that the fine particle material lofted by the
Starship launch is consistent with sand derived from the launch site. These
results imply that the destruction of the launch pad eroded and lofted material
into the air from the underlying sandy, base-layer. From calculations, this
lofted material likely remained suspended in the air for minutes following the
launch from recirculation, allowing for transport over an extended range. Most
of the recovered material was too coarse to be a respiration hazard, as a small
mass fraction of the particles (<1%) had diameters of 10 um or less. Video
analysis and ballistic models also provide insight into the failure mechanism
associated with the launch pad, which was consistent with a high-pressure
eruption from the region below the failed launch pad.
