File Photo by SpaceX | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) — SpaceX has gained valuable insights from its unsuccessful Starship launch in April, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the conclusion of its investigation on Friday.
The FAA has outlined specific upgrades and safety procedures that SpaceX must implement before conducting further Starship launches using the Falcon Heavy launch platform.
“The final report has identified several root causes of the mishap on April 20, 2023, and has provided 63 corrective actions that SpaceX needs to undertake in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. These actions involve redesigning vehicle hardware to avoid leaks and fires, enhancing the durability of the launch pad, and implementing additional reviews during the design process,” stated the FAA in a press release on Friday.
During the previous launch attempt, the Falcon Heavy successfully cleared the launch platform but encountered an explosion when the first stage failed to separate from the rest of the spacecraft.
Earlier this week, SpaceX affixed a new Starship spacecraft to a Falcon Heavy launch vehicle at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, announced that they are awaiting FAA approval to proceed with their second Starship launch attempt.
“Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA license approval,” Musk posted on X.
“Further analysis and testing of safety-critical systems and components, including the Autonomous Flight Safety System, will be conducted, along with stricter change control practices,” added the FAA.
Despite not yet receiving clearance for another launch, SpaceX affirms that they have integrated the lessons learned from the failed April launch.
“The inaugural flight test of the fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy represented a significant milestone in advancing the capabilities of the most powerful launch system ever developed. The initial test flight of Starship provided invaluable lessons that have directly influenced various upgrades to both the vehicle and ground infrastructure,” stated SpaceX in a press release on Friday.
