The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed its technical investigation into SpaceX’s April test launch of the Starship rocket. In a statement released on Friday, the FAA stated that the company must address numerous corrective measures before the vehicle can fly again. The launch took place on April 20 in Texas and resulted in the destruction of the launchpad upon liftoff. The rocket ascended 25 miles before exploding approximately four minutes into the flight, during a crucial demonstration to reach space for the first time.
The FAA, responsible for regulating launch site safety, concluded its review of SpaceX’s technical investigation into the launch failure. The investigation revealed “multiple root causes” of the mishap and identified 63 corrective actions that SpaceX must undertake before launching the rocket again. However, the FAA’s closure of the mishap investigation does not mean an immediate resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica, the company’s launch site in south Texas. The mishap report remains confidential.
The closure of the FAA probe brings SpaceX one step closer to achieving a significant testing milestone – sending the Starship into space for the first time. This achievement is crucial for the company’s plans to use the reusable rocket for commercial satellite missions and human landings on the moon’s surface in collaboration with NASA. It is unclear whether SpaceX has already implemented any of the FAA’s corrective actions, as their completion will determine the timing of the next Starship launch. In addition to addressing these measures, SpaceX must also obtain a modified FAA license for future launches, which involves a thorough review of flight trajectory, safety considerations, and potential risks to the public.
Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO, expressed readiness for launch and stated that they are awaiting FAA license approval in a post on X, the social media site he owns (formerly known as Twitter).
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