On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instructed SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, to maintain the grounding of its Starship Super Heavy rocket. The FAA has recently concluded its investigation into the April launch incident, during which the rocket experienced a mid-flight explosion. In the course of that launch, there was a “structural failure” in the launch pad’s foundation, resulting in the dispersion of debris into ecologically sensitive areas.
The FAA has specified that SpaceX must address 63 corrective actions before it becomes eligible for clearance for another test flight. The necessary corrective measures encompass several aspects, such as redesigning vehicle hardware to prevent leaks and fires, enhancing the launch pad’s durability, introducing extra design reviews, conducting further analysis and testing of safety-critical systems and components, notably the Autonomous Flight Safety System, and implementing additional change control procedures.
To recommence Starship launches at its Boca Chica, Texas site, SpaceX must fulfill all corrective actions affecting public safety as identified by the FAA. Additionally, the company must submit an application for an FAA license modification that comprehensively addresses safety and environmental regulatory prerequisites.
On Tuesday, SpaceX CEO Musk asserted, through a post on X that Starship is prepared for launch, pending approval from the FAA. There was no immediate response from SpaceX to a request for comment.
The FAA conducted the investigation into the SpaceX incident, with NASA and the National Transportation Safety Board fulfilling their roles as official observers.
The initial Starship launch lasted over three minutes but encountered issues with multiple engine failures, substantial damage to ground facilities, and a failure to reach space due to a tumbling motion, leading to the rocket’s deliberate mid-air destruction. This event resulted in a ground crater, debris scattered into nearby equipment, damage to sensitive wildlife habitat housing endangered species, and ignited a roughly 4-acre fire on state park land.
The success of the Starship program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet enterprise. With a vast constellation of over 4,000 satellites, Starlink by SpaceX currently offers internet connectivity to over 50 nations worldwide.
(Source: FAA | Lora Kolodny | CNBC | Cora Neas | KXAN)
