FAA Finds SpaceX at Fault for Starship Failure and Demands Corrective Actions
Washington – The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded its investigation into SpaceX’s failed test launch of the Starship rocket in April, placing the blame on SpaceX and demanding that the company implement numerous corrective measures before attempting another flight.
During the April 20 launch, SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy rocket achieved a successful liftoff from its Texas launch pad but exploded approximately four minutes into the flight, just as it was making its first attempt to reach space.
In a letter sent to SpaceX, the FAA stated that there were multiple root causes for the failure and specified 63 corrective actions that need to be undertaken before the rocket can be launched again. These actions include making hardware changes to prevent leaks and fires, as well as reinforcing the launch pad to minimize debris and sand disturbances.
Despite the conclusion of the FAA’s investigation, the agency emphasized that the resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica, SpaceX’s launch site in south Texas, is not imminent.
For SpaceX, the closure of the mishap investigation brings the company one step closer to achieving a significant testing milestone – sending the Starship into space for the first time. This achievement is crucial before SpaceX can embark on commercial satellite missions and facilitate human landings on the moon for NASA.
Currently, it remains unclear how many of the 63 corrective actions SpaceX has already implemented, which will inevitably impact the timeline for the next Starship launch.
In response to the FAA’s statement, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk took to social media and asked, What are the 63 corrective actions? It is worth mentioning that SpaceX, in accordance with FAA regulations, led the investigation into the Starship failure and submitted the list of corrective actions for the agency’s approval. The FAA requires SpaceX to complete these actions before granting a new launch license for the Starship.
While the FAA has not publicly released the mishap report outlining the corrective actions, Musk previously revealed that an internal fire during the ascent damaged the rocket’s engines and computers, leading to an uncontrollable deviation from the intended trajectory. The destruct command, which should have been triggered about 40 seconds later, was also delayed, resulting in the rocket’s explosion.
The FAA official’s letter stated that one of the critical systems that SpaceX needs to upgrade is the automated destruct command. Additionally, SpaceX has stated on its website that it has made several modifications and enhancements to the Starship and its launch pad. These include an improved flight termination system and an expanded fire suppression apparatus onboard.
Although the investigation is now complete, SpaceX must obtain a modified FAA license for future launches, which involves a comprehensive review of factors such as the rocket’s flight trajectory and potential safety risks to the public.
Musk announced on social media that Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA license approval, signaling the company’s eagerness to proceed.
Furthermore, SpaceX is addressing environmental concerns raised by the debris and concrete chunks that were propelled into the air during the powerful liftoff. To mitigate these issues, the company plans to install a large metal plate on the launch pad and take measures to control the debris field generated by the rocket’s launch.
With the FAA demanding corrective actions and SpaceX eager to resume Starship launches, the future of the ambitious project remains contingent on satisfying safety regulations and ensuring the necessary environmental precautions are in place.
In conclusion, while SpaceX has made significant progress in addressing the issues that led to the Starship failure, the company will need to meet the FAA’s requirements and obtain a modified launch license before it can embark on another attempt to reach space.
