During the SpaceX Starship Flight 14 livestream, internet viewers spotted a mysterious curved streak hovering in the background, prompting rumors and speculation about a possible UFO sighting. The mysterious object became visible approximately six minutes into the broadcast as the spacecraft crossed Texas and deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites.
Critics of UFO theories argue that the object resembles a streak of light left behind either by the Super Heavy booster or the ship’s engines. The booster flipped after separating from the Starship and fired its engine to return. Since the booster was hidden below the curve of the horizon from Starship’s point of view. Its trail rose into the sunlight from behind Earth. This created a glowing blue-white streak.
SpaceVision: UFO or Rocket streaking past SpaceX’s Starship during today’s launch? Did anyone else see this? At 50:06 Mins in to the flight, on video, you see an elongated object speed past the view. I’ve tried to enlarge and slow down. It’s hard to see! pic.twitter.com/gAimwCPNEj
— John Cremeans (@JohnCremeansX) September 28, 2026
Moreover, propellants expand in the upper atmosphere. They can catch sunlight and result in an illuminated patch visible in the dark sky. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a ‘space jellyfish’. Analysts also suggest that debris, possibly a hunk of ice broken off the side of the vehicle or a propellant could freeze instantly in space. The ice is highly reflective and appears as a streak of light on camera. Moreover, the mysterious UFO could also just be light reflecting off particles in the upper atmosphere.
Users supporting the alien-mothership theory argue that the streak of light appears as a continuous arc with illuminated points, resembling a UFO. Some claimed that the object was not a ship. They claim it was a watcher drone deployed by an advanced civilization to monitor humanity’s progress.
No way this is real. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/716e3YSvCW
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) September 28, 2026
UFO theories then shifted from extraterrestrial explanations to speculation about the US military. The object matched the purported shape of the TR-3B Black Manta, a rumored secret tactical reconnaissance aircraft.
Neither SpaceX nor NASA has issued any official statement on this matter. However, on multiple occasions, Elon Musk has remarked that despite launching thousands of Starlink satellites in space, he has never encountered credible evidence of aliens.
