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The next giant Starship rocket from SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is currently stationed on the launch pad in South Texas. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated on Friday that SpaceX needs to take necessary “corrective actions” before they can obtain a launch license for its second flight.
A Number That Sums It Up: 63 corrective actions are required.
During the first Starship test flight on April 20, the rocket successfully lifted off but soon began to lose control and eventually exploded due to its flight termination system. This system is designed to prevent uncontrolled rockets from crashing into populated areas. Although the rocket only reached an altitude of 24 miles above the Gulf of Mexico, falling short of orbit, SpaceX employees celebrated its accomplishments with champagne.
In a recent post on SpaceX’s website, the company detailed the issues encountered during the ascent. Leaking propellant in the Super Heavy booster’s aft end caused fires, which ultimately disconnected the primary flight computer of the rocket. This resulted in a loss of communication to most of the booster engines and, consequently, loss of control of the entire vehicle.
The launch also caused significant damage to the launch pad, with concrete pieces being expelled into the surrounding areas and clouds of dirt reaching a neighboring town located six miles away.
The FAA’s final investigation report outlined 63 corrective actions that need to be undertaken. These actions include redesigning the rocket to prevent leaks and fires, as well as conducting additional analysis and testing of safety systems, including the flight termination system. Moreover, improvements to the launch pad are also required, such as the addition of a large steel plate and a water-deluge system to minimize damage during liftoff.
The investigation report has not been made public, as it contains proprietary SpaceX information and data subject to United States export controls, according to the FAA.
None of these corrective actions should come as a surprise to SpaceX, as the company conducted its own investigation to identify the causes of the failures during the April launch and the necessary fixes. The FAA reviewed SpaceX’s report and agreed with their findings, thus concluding the investigation.
What It Looked Like: Watch the last launch in 2 videos.
SpaceX’s video footage captured the liftoff of the massive rocket and the subsequent loss of control before the explosion.
Additional footage demonstrates the extent of the dirt and debris cloud generated by the launch.
Background: Musk’s moon and Mars rocket quest.
Starship, along with the SuperHeavy booster stage, is the largest rocket ever built. It plays a crucial role in Elon Musk’s vision of establishing a colony on Mars. The rocket is designed to be fully reusable, with the booster landing back at the launchpad after providing initial thrust and the upper Starship section continuing into orbit. The Starship can also return to Earth, re-entering the atmosphere and landing vertically after a belly-flop maneuver.
As part of NASA’s Artemis program, SpaceX has been contracted to develop a version of the Starship for transporting astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon’s surface. The first crewed moon landing, as part of the Artemis III mission, is currently planned for late December 2025, although the schedule is likely to be delayed. SpaceX will first conduct an uncrewed demonstration landing.
What’s Next: Another test flight of the giant rocket.
Elon Musk recently posted on X, the social media platform he owns (formerly known as Twitter), that the Starship is ready to launch pending FAA license approval.
However, the closure of the investigation into the April launch does not imply an imminent next launch, according to the FAA. SpaceX is required to address all corrective actions affecting public safety, apply for a license modification, and fulfill all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements before proceeding with the next Starship launch.
Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the FAA, calling for a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts caused by the Starship launches. The case is currently in its preliminary stages.
SpaceX has not yet set a target date for the second launch.
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